Papain-catalyzed aldol reaction for the synthesis of trifluoromethyl carbinol derivatives

Papain from Carica papaya demonstrated catalytic promiscuity was first discovered to catalyze the synthesis of trifluoromethyl carbinol derivatives via aldol reaction between alpha,alpha,alpha-trifluoromethyl ketones and aliphatic ketones in a mixed solvent of DMF and water. The best results of the corresponding aldol products with up to 99% yield and 30% ee were achieved. (C) 2016 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.