10.1016/S0957-4166(01)00258-0
The research aimed to resolve 2-aryloxy-1-propanols, a class of primary alcohols with an oxygen atom at the stereocenter, with good to high enantioselectivity using Pseudomonas sp. lipase-catalyzed acylation with vinyl butanoate in di-iso-propyl ether. The study examined the impact of various factors on enantioselectivity, including solvents, acyl donors, and temperature. The researchers successfully prepared enantiomerically pure (R)-2-(4-chlorophenoxy)-1-propanol on a gram scale, demonstrating that Pseudomonas lipases are effective for the resolution of primary alcohols. Key chemicals used in the process included 2-aryloxy-1-propanols, vinyl butanoate, and various lipases from different sources, as well as solvents such as di-iso-propyl ether, acetonitrile, and benzene. The conclusions highlighted the significance of the acyl donor and temperature on the enantioselectivity of the enzymatic transesterification, showcasing the utility of Pseudomonas sp. lipases in achieving high enantiomeric purity of primary alcohols.