Optical resolution of tricarbonyl(1-carboxycyclohexa-1,3-diene) iron and the absolute configuration of the products

Resolution of the acid ($\text{1}$) (shown as the (+)-isomer) into its optically pure (+) and (?) isomers and reduction of the CO₂H yields the 2-Me derivative ($\text{2}$) (shown as the (?)-isomer). The absolute configuration of ($\text{2}$) is defined by conversion of the salt ($\text{3}$) of known configuration into ($\text{2}$) and ($\text{4}$). This is the first resolution leading to preparation of pure complexes of known absolute configuration.