Enzyme-catalyzed asymmetric construction of chiral tertiary alcohols via aldol reaction using proteinase

A new enzyme-catalyzed asymmetric construction of chiral tertiary alcohols via asymmetric aldol reactions between β,γ-unsaturated α-keto esters and ketones was reported. Proteinase from Aspergillus melleus (AMP) was used as a sustainable biocatalyst. The best results can be obtained with yields of up to 90%, diastereoselectives of up to 93:7 dr, and enantioselectivities of up to 70% ee. This work not only expands the application of enzymatic promiscuity, but also provides more examples for constructing chiral tertiary alcohols.