We describe herein a method providing access to both enantiomers of 3-acetylthio-2- benzylpropionic acid via enzymatic desymmetrization of 2-benzyl-1, 3-propanediol. These compounds are respectively the starting materials for the synthesis of ecadotril, and dexecadotril, which are powerful inhibitors of NEP (EC 3.4. 24.11) and have been developed as therapeutic agents.
