Solvent-free biocatalytic amidation of carboxylic acids

Lipase-catalyzed enantioselective amidation was performed by reacting the racemic amine with aliphatic acids in nonsolvent system. The reaction equilibrium was shifted towards amide synthesis by the removal of water under reduced pressure. This methodology avoids the use of activating agents and hazardous solvents. (c) 2005 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.