Asymmetric transesterification of secondary alcohols catalyzed by feruloyl esterase from Humicola insolens

Article abstract of DOI:10.1016/j.bioorg.2005.05.002

A new asymmetric transesterification of secondary alcohols catalyzed by feruloyl esterase from Humicola insolens has been found. Although alcohols are not the natural substrates for this enzyme, a high R enantioselectivity was observed. Stereochemical studies showed that variations in substrate structure lead to strong variations in enantioselectivity. The highest enantioselectivities are obtained when the β-carbon of the secondary alcohol is tertiary or quaternary.