Synthesis of Ester Derivatives of Chloramphenicol by Lipase-Catalyzed Transesterification in Organic Solvents

Article abstract of DOI:10.1021/jo00295a025

Regioselective esterification of chloramphenicol (1) and its synthetic analogue thiamphenicol (2) has been achieved by the action of lipase in acetone and several methyl carboxylates.Aliphatic and aromatic esters of different sizes and natures have been introduced selectively on the primary hydroxyl group of these molecules by modification of the reaction conditions (e.g., temperature, solvent, and lipase source).