Solid-state chiral resolution mediated by stoichiometry: crystallizing etiracetam with ZnCl2

Chiral resolution of racemic etiracetam was achieved via co-crystallization with ZnCl2. Depending on the amount of ZnCl2 either a stable racemic compound or a stable conglomerate can be obtained. Excess ZnCl2 triggers the quantitative conversion of the racemate into the conglomerate solid; this unprecedented behaviour was investigated through a racetam/ZnCl2/solvent phase diagram