Lipase-catalyzed transamidation of non-activated amides in organic solvent

A novel biocatalytic reaction of transamidation of non-activated amides with amines is reported. Among 45 different lipolytic and proteolytic enzymes tested, only the lipase from Candida antarctica was able to catalyze this reaction. The reaction proceeded with up to ca. 80% conversion in anhydrous methyl tert-butyl ether and worked with both N-substituted and unsubstituted amides. The biocatalytic transamidation is an equilibrium process and, therefore, higher conversions to the desired amide were achieved by using increased concentrations of the amine nucleophile.