Chemoenzymatic synthesis of rivastigmine via dynamic kinetic resolution as a key step.

A practical and efficient procedure for the synthesis of rivastigmine was developed. This procedure includes dynamic kinetic resolution using a polymer-bound ruthenium complex and a lipase in combination as a key step. Enantiopure (-)-rivastigmine was obtained from commercially available 3'-hydroxyacetophenone via five steps in overall 57% yield.