Enzymatic selective transformations of diethyl fumarate

Article abstract of DOI:10.1016/0040-4020(95)00391-K

Candida antarctica lipase selectively catalyses transformations of diethyl fumarate in organic solvents. A range of nitrogen nucleophiles, including ammonia, can be successfully used in these enzymatic reactions, monoamides and monohydrazides being obtained in high to moderate yields. In contrast, diethyl maleate is not an adequate substrate for this enzyme.