Highly enantioselective acylation of chlorohydrins using Amano AK lipase from P-fluorescens immobilized on silk fibroin-alginate spheres

Aromatic, allylic, and aliphatic compounds containing a chlorohydrin group were selected as substrates for the enzymatic kinetic resolution mediated by Amano AK lipase from Pseudomonas fluorescens immobilized in silk friboin-alginate spheres. Thus, the enantioselectivity of the process was sufficient for the production of the desired alcohols and acetates in good yields and high enantiomeric purities. This Letter provides a simple, cheap, and practical protocol for enantioselective synthesis of chlorohydrins and reinforces the versatility of silk fibroin as supports for heterogeneous catalysts. (C) 2014 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.