Stereoselective Pseudomonas cepacia lipase mediated synthesis of α-hydroxyamides

Article abstract of DOI:10.1016/S0957-4166(97)00270-X

A new method for the synthesis of α-hydroxyamides via the Pseudomonas cepacia lipase catalyzed amidation of α-hydroxyesters in non-aqueous media is described. Reactivities of α-hydroxy benzyl esters are excellent, resulting in rapid conversions to good yields of α-hydroxyamides, while ethyl and methyl esters react more slowly, and some hindered esters show no reactivity under the conditions studied. Some benzyl esters react stereoselectively, producing excellent yields of asymmetric α-hydroxyamides.