LIPASE-CATALYZED REGIOSELECTIVE DEACETYLATION OF ANDROSTANE DERIVATIVES

A series of acetoxy derivatives of androstane was deacetylated in orga nic solvents by several lipases. The most satisfactory results were ob tained with lipase from Candida cylindracea (CCL) and Candida antarcti ca (GAL). In some derivatives, CCL and CAL showed an overwhelming regi oselectivity towards the removal of the 3 beta- or the 17 beta-acetyl group (see Table 2). Three new steroid derivatives were obtained throu gh this approach. A hypothetical rationale for the behaviour of these enzymes is given.