Enantioselective hydrolysis of various racemic α-substituted arylacetonitriles using Rhodococcus sp. CGMCC 0497

Article abstract of DOI:10.1016/S0957-4166(02)00017-4

The enantioselective hydrolysis of 17 racemic α-substituted arylacetonitriles by Rhodococcus sp. CGMCC 0497 is described. The corresponding (R)-amides and (S)-acids were obtained with excellent enantiomeric excess in most cases. The effect of steric and electronic factors on the outcome of the reactions are discussed here. The results prove that nitrile-converting enzymes are efficient tools for the synthesis of sterically unencumbered chiral α-arylpropionic acids and amides.