Advances in resolution of mandelic acid and synthesis of chiral mandelic acid

The research progress on resolution of DL-mandelic acid and synthesis of optically active mandelic acid was summarized.The resolution principles,techniques and characteristics of various methods including diastereomeric salt crystallization,extraction,chromatography,electrophoresis and enzymatic catalysis were reviewed.The research advances in the synthesis of optically active mandelic acid by biotransformation,electrochemistry and direct chemical method were also introduced.Among these methods,the diastereomeric salt crystallization is an important method to produce optically active mandelic acid in commercial scale,and also the biotransformation method has a good prospect for commercial application.