Yu_2022_Biotechnol.Appl.Biochem__

N'-alkyl benzohydrazides are classic organic compounds that have been widely utilized in organic chemistry. In this study, an efficient method was developed for the synthesis of N'-alkyl benzohydrazides by hydrazine insertion catalyzed by lipase. Under the optimal conditions (Morita-Baylis-Hillman ketone [1 mmol], phenylhydrazine [1.3 mmol], N,N-dimethylformamide [2 mL], lipase [20 mg], room temperature, 12 h), satisfactory yields (71%-97%) and substrate tolerance were obtained when porcine pancreatic lipase was used as biocatalyst. These findings imply the great potential for the lipase-catalyzed synthesis of N'-alkyl benzohydrazides and extend the utilization of lipase in organic chemistry. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.