Lipase-catalyzed aminolysis and ammonolysis of β-ketoesters. Synthesis of optically active β-ketoamides.

Article abstract of DOI:10.1016/S0040-4020(01)81346-6

Aminolysis and ammonolysis reactions of β-ketoesters catalyzed by Candida antarctica lipase are very efficient methods for the preparation of β- ketoamides. When racemic amines are used in these processes, the corresponding optically active β-ketoamides are obtained with moderate-high enantiomeric excesses.