Enzymatic resolution of α,α-disubstituted α-amino acid esters and amides

Article abstract of DOI:10.1016/S0957-4166(00)80217-7

The scope and limitations of the enzymatic resolution of α,α-disubstituted α-amino acid amides by an amino acid amidase from Mycobacterium neoaurum and of the corresponding ethyl esters with Pig liver esterase (PLE) have been studied. Moderate enantiomeric excesses were obtained with PLE, with only a narrow substrate specificity. Mycobacterium neoaurum on the contrary yields a broad range of S-α,α-disubstituted α-amino acids 1 and the corresponding R-amides 2.