The first aminoacylase-catalyzed enantioselective synthesis of aromatic beta-amino acids

The first aminoacylase-catalyzed enantioselective synthesis of aromatic beta-amino acids is reported. The presence of an N-chloroacetyl group as acyl group in the substrate as well as the use of porcine kidney acylase I as a suitable enzyme component are prerequisites for this resolution process whereby optically active beta-amino acids are formed with high enantioselectivities of >98% ee.