Sequential kinetic resolution catalyzed by halohydrin dehalogenase

A sequential kinetic resolution catalyzed by halohydrin dehalogenase was employed for the synthesis of two valuable enantiopure building blocks. Resolution of methyl 4-chloro-3-hydroxybutanoate methylester ((R,S)-2) with use of a Trp249Phe mutant of halohydrin dehalogenase yielded methyl 4-cyano-3-hydroxybutanoate methylester ((S)-4) with 96.8% ee (40% yield) and (S)-2 with 95.2% ee (41% yield). This reaction is carried out in aqueous solution under mild conditions and provides access to a useful statin side-chain building block.