Lipase Immobilized on MCFs as Biocatalysts for Kinetic and Dynamic Kinetic Resolution of sec-Alcohols

Dynamic kinetic resolution (DKR) is one of the most attractive methods for enantioselective synthesis. In the reported studies, lipase B from Candida antarctica (CALB) immobilized on siliceous mesoporous cellular foams (MCF) functionalized with different hydrophobic groups, and two ruthenium complexes with substituted cyclopentadienyl ligands were investigated as catalysts for the chemoenzymatic DKR of (rac)-1-phenylethanol, using Novozym 435 as a benchmark biocatalyst. Studies on the (rac)-1-phenylethanol transesterification reaction showed that CALB supported on MCFs grafted with methyl groups is a promising biocatalyst and isopropenyl acetate is a preferable acylation agent. Both Ru-complexes activated by K3PO4 or t-BuOK, proved to be effective catalysts of the racemization reaction. The final DKR experiments using all catalysts combinations singled out, gave 96% conversion, and (R)-1-phenylethyl acetate enantiomeric excess of 98% in 8 h using K3PO4 activator.

Concatenated Batch and Continuous Flow Procedures for the Upgrading of Glycerol-Derived Aminodiols via N-Acetylation and Acetalization Reactions

An unprecedented two-step sequence was designed by combining batch and continuous flow (CF) protocols for the upgrading of two aminodiol regioisomers derived from glycerol, i.e., 3-amino-1,2-propanediol and 2-amino-1,3-propanediol (serinol). Under batch conditions, at 80–90 °C, both substrates were quantitatively converted into the corresponding amides through a catalyst-free N-acetylation reaction mediated by an innocuous enol ester as isopropenyl acetate (iPAc). Thereafter, at 30–100 °C and 1–10 atm, the amide derivatives underwent a selective CF-acetalisation in the presence of acetone and a solid acid catalyst, to afford the double-functionalized (amide-acetal) products.

Amano Lipase PS from Burkholderia cepacia- Evaluation of the Effect of Substrates and Reaction Media on the Catalytic Activity

: Lipases in the native or immobilized form have commonly been used as catalysts in the chemical and pharmaceutical industry. One of the widely available enzyme catalysts on the market is lipase from Burkholderia cepacia (BCLs), previously called Pseudomonas cepacia (PCLs). This enzyme is applied, among others, in the stereoselective acylation of molecules to achieve chiral pure enantiomers of drugs or their building blocks. In this study, Amano lipase PS (APS-BCL), which is a commercial lipase from Burkholderia cepacia (BC) was tested. The lipolytic activity of APS-BCL by hydrolysis of vegetable oils and enantioselective activity of APS-BCL by the kinetic resolution of (R,S)-1-phenylethanol with using isopropenyl acetate as an acyl donor were evaluated. An effect of reaction media with different logP values (t-butyl methyl ether, dichloromethane, diisopropyl ether, toluene, cyclohexane, n-hexane, isooctane and n-heptane) on the enantioselective activity of lipase was also studied. The high value of the enantiomeric ratio (E =308.5) with the utilization of isopropenyl acetate was achieved. Whereas, the best reaction medium turned out to be diisopropyl ether, C =47.9%, eep =98%, ees =90%, after 24 h of incubation. Moreover, the influence of ω6/ω9 polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) ratio in commercial (peanut, camelina, rape, pumpkin seed, walnut, sesame, avocado, rice, corn, black cumin, hemp, safflower, grape seed) oils was investigated for the lipase activity. For the first time, the cut-off limit of ω6/ω9 ratio was proposed. The ratio equal to or higher than 2.3 allows achieving higher lipolytic activity.

A transesterification–acetalization catalytic tandem process for the functionalization of glycerol: the pivotal role of isopropenyl acetate

A catalytic tandem sequence was implemented by which a pool of innocuous reactants (isopropenyl acetate, acetic acid and acetone) allowed upgrading of glycerol through selective acetylation and acetalization processes.

Formation of Bicyclic Cyclopentenone Derivatives by Robinson-Type Annulation of Cyclic β-Oxoesters Containing a 1,4-Diketone Moiety

Robinson-type cyclopentannulations of cyclic β-oxoesters possessing a 1,4-diketone moiety are accomplished under four different Brønsted basic reaction conditions. Using pyrrolidine/acetic acid in DMSO, an oxohexahydrocyclopenta[a]indene (42%) and an N-Boc-protected oxohexahydrocyclopenta[c]pyridine derivative (62%) are obtained with retention of the ester moieties. The latter compound defines an interesting new scaffold for medicinal chemistry with three positions allowing further derivatizations. The use of KOtBu in DMSO or NaH in toluene leads to cyclopentene derivatives with either partial ester saponification and decarboxylation or displacement of the ester moiety within the carbon skeleton. With aqueous KOH, the cyclopentannulations are successful in almost all cases, but with the ester moieties cleaved off. The respective bicyclic and tricyclic products are obtained in good to excellent yields. The 1,4-diketone starting materials are prepared by cerium-catalyzed oxidative coupling of β-oxoesters with isopropenyl acetate. Alternatively, a two-step sequence consisting of α-propargylation followed by palladium-catalyzed alkyne hydration is used.

Correction: Efficient and rapid direct transesterification reactions of cellulose with isopropenyl acetate in ionic liquids

Correction for ‘Efficient and rapid direct transesterification reactions of cellulose with isopropenyl acetate in ionic liquids’ by Ryohei Kakuchi et al., RSC Adv., 2015, 5, 72071–72074.