The acylative kinetic resolution of racemic heterocyclic amines such as 3,4-dihydro-3-methyl-2H-[1,4] benzoxazines, 3,4-dihydro-3-methyl-2H-[1,4]benzothiazine, 2-methyl-1,2,3,4-tetrahydro-quinolines and 2-methylindoline with enantiopure (R)-2-phenoxypropionyl chloride has been studied. It has been found that acylation of 3,4-dihydro-3-methyl-2H-[1,4]benzothiazine proceeds with the best stereoselectively when compared with other racemic amines. An efficient method for the preparation of (S)-3,4-dihydro-3-methyl-2H-[1,4]benzothiazine (99.4% ee) via a kinetic resolution protocol was developed. The possibility of recycling (R)-2-phenoxypropionic acid has been demonstrated. (C) 2016 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.