An efficient enzymatic aminolysis for kinetic resolution of aromatic α-hydroxyl acid in non-aqueous media.

A new and highly efficient enzymatic aminolysis approach for kinetic resolution of aromatic α-hydroxy acid in non-aqueous media has been developed. The corresponding α-hydroxyl acid ester was employed as the substrate, and commercially available Candida antarctica lipase B is used as the biocatalyst, anhydrous ammonia is the resolving agent. Reactions can be proceeded smoothly in organic solvent at ambient temperatures. High concentration of substrate is allowed due to the application of organic media and the products are obtained in yields of up to 49% with ee values of up to 99%, and with E value of >300, representing an appealing and promising protocol for large-scale preparations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]