Enzyme reactions in apolar solvents. The resolution of branched and unbranched 2-alkanols by porcine pancreatic lipase

Article abstract of DOI:10.1016/S0040-4020(01)96905-4

Straight-chain and branched 2-alkanols were subjected to enzyme catalyzed transesterification in organic solvent using porcine pancreatic lipase, high enantioselectivity being generally observed. The method was applied to the synthesis of (R)-(-)-9-hydroxy-(E)-decenoic acid, a component of the queen bee mandibular gland pheromone.