2-Aryl-substituted propionic acids, such as the important anti-inflammatory agent Naproxen, exist in two enantiomeric forms. The (S^-enantiomer of 2-(6-methoxynaphth-2-yl)propionic acid 1 is about 28 times more effective than the (/?)-enantiomer. A new catalytic method to synthesize Naproxen (S)-l involves the enantioselective decarboxylation of suitably substi tuted malonic acid derivatives. ...
