File Entry: Enantioselective method of synthesizing methylphenidate and derivatives

<font>Process for the preparation of enantioselective method of making methylphenidate and derivatives . The method involves use of a rhodium catalyst, and selectively produces the D-enantiomer of the methylphenidate derivative in excess of the L-enantiomer . Furthermore, the method selectively produces the threo-diastereomer in excess of the erythro-diastereomer. The method is thus suitable for synthesis of D-threo-methylphenidate (the biologically active form of this compound) and derivatives </font>