Ring-Opening of Epoxides with Amines for Synthesis of β-Amino Alcohols in a Continuous-Flow Biocatalysis System

An efficient method for the preparation of beta-amino alcohols catalyzed by lipase TL IM from Thermomyces lanuginosus in a continuous-flow reactor was developed. The eco-friendly biocatalyst combined with continuous-flow reaction technology displayed high efficiency in the synthesis of beta-amino alcohols. The benign reaction conditions (35 degrees C) and short residence time (20 min), together with the use of low cost and readily available starting materials, make this synthetic approach a promising alternative to current beta-amino alcohol synthesis.