Ferreira_2012_Molecules_17_8955

The lipase B from Candida antarctica (Novozym 435(R), CALB) efficiently catalyzed the kinetic resolution of some aliphatic secondary alcohols: (+/-)-4-methylpentan-2-ol, (+/-)-5-methylhexan-2-ol, (+/-)-octan-2-ol, (+/-)-heptan-3-ol and (+/-)-oct-1-en-3-ol. The lipase showed excellent enantioselectivities in the transesterifications of racemic aliphatic secondary alcohols producing the enantiopure alcohols (>99% ee) and acetates (>99% ee) with good yields. Kinetic resolution of rac-alcohols was successfully achieved with CALB lipase using simple conditions, vinyl acetate as acylating agent, and hexane as non-polar solvent.