agent naproxen [(S)-1] which has to be used as the (S) enantiomer, involves the enantioselective decarboxylation of the 6-methoxynaphth-2-yl derivative 2 of 2-cyanopropionic acid. Compound 2 was stirred in THF at 15 °C with catalytic amounts of chiral bases, which abstracted the carboxyl proton. After decarboxylation, reprotonation of the anion of 6 afforded the enantiomerically enriched naproxen nitrile