LIPASE-CATALYZED KINETIC RESOLUTION OF 3-HYDROXY ESTERS IN ORGANIC-SOLVENTS AND SUPERCRITICAL CARBON-DIOXIDE

The lipase-catalyzed kinetic resolution of different 3-hydroxy esters in organic solvents and supercritical carbon dioxide (SCCO2) was studi ed. Similar enantiomeric excesses (ee, up to 99%) as found for transes terifications in organic solvents were achieved also in SCCO2. The inf luence of various reaction parameters was investigated for the resolut ion of 3-hydroxy octanoic acid methyl esters with lipase from Pseudomo nas cepacia in SCCO2. Optimum conditions have been found at 110 bar 40 degrees C, and in the presence of 1.5 g molecular sieve by using viny l acetate as acyl donor. The addition of different cosolvents had only a small effect on the reaction. Immobilization of the lipase on VA-ep oxy resulted in similar optical purities as found for the crude lipase , but at halved reaction times. The effect of supercritical conditions on the stability of the lipase was also investigated.