M.W. van der Meijden, M. Leeman, E. Gelens, W.L. Noorduin, H. Meekes, W.J.P. van Enckevort, B. Kaptein, E. Vlieg, R.M. Kellogg,
Attrition-enhanced deracemization in the synthesis of clopidogrel – a practical application of a new discovery,
Org. Process Research & Dev. 13 (2009) 1195-1198

Abstract:
The recently discovered technique of deracemization by means of attrition-induced grinding of a solid conglomerate in contact with a solution wherein racemization occurs has been used with a derivative of 2-chlorophenyl glycine, the key chiral component in the synthesis of Clopidogrel (Plavix). Deracemization of the racemate proceeds to a single enantiomer and in essentially absolute enantiomeric excess. Further conversion of enantiomerically pure material to Clopidogrel was achieved in 88% yield.