Biotechnology Letters, Vol.34, No.1, 153-158, 2012
Resolution of 2-nitroalcohols by Burkholderia cepacia lipase-catalyzed enantioselective acylation
Racemic 2-nitro-1-phenylethanol was resolved by via enantioselective transesterification catalyzed by Burkholderia cepacia lipase. The reaction afforded excellent E values (E > 200) and enantioselectivity (up to > 99% enantiomeric excesses [ee]) of both remaining substrates and acetylated product. Moreover, the lipase displayed high enantioselectivity in the resolution of additional 2-nitroalcohols (E up to > 200). This method provides an efficient alternative for obtaining enantiopure 2-nitroalcohols.