Trypsin-catalyzed direct asymmetric aldol reaction

Unnatural catalytic activity of trypsin from porcine pancreas for direct asymmetric aldol reaction was discovered. The reactions between aromatic aldehydes and various ketones gave products in moderate yields and enantioselectivities in the presence of a small amount of water. The influences of solvent, water content, temperature, mole ratio of substrates, and enzyme concentration were investigated. The mechanism of trypsin-catalyzed aldol reaction was discussed. This enzymatic promiscuity widens the application of trypsin to new chemical transformations. (C) 2012 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.