the reaction some racemization takes place requiring further treatment if an isomerically pure compound is to be obtained the racemic mixture consists essentially of two forms of the free acid of tic a the optically enriched mixture which consists of powdery solids u02dc 12 d u02dc 88 l is then contacted with a solution of glacial acetic acid diluted with water and or water and alcohol the concentration of the glacial acetic acid may range from about 5 0 wt wt to about 25 0 wt wt and preferably from about 10 0 wt wt to about 16 0 wt wt the concentration of the alcohol may range from 0 wt wt to about 20 0 wt wt and preferably for about 5 0 wt wt to about 10 0 wt wt the current alcohol of choice is ethyl alcohol the amount of tic a treated can vary depending on the degree of enrichment of the major isomer in the mixture the mixture is refluxed for approximately 0 1 6 0 hours preferably for 2 0 to about 4 0 hours then cooled to about 10 u00b0 c to about 15 u00b0 c to yield isomerically pure l tic a the solids are then filtered washed with ethyl alcohol and dried using standard chemical manufacturing procedures the following examples are given in order to more fully describe the aspects of the present claimed invention they are for illustrative purposes only and it is understood that minor changes may be made with respect to the amounts and or volumes of reagents the reagents themselves and the reaction parameters such as temperature pressure and time which may alter the results somewhat it is to be recognized that any such changes that do not significantly add to.