Sequential resolution of ethyl 3-aminobutyrate with carboxylic acid estersby Candida antarctica lipase B

The reactions of ethyl 3-aminobutyrate 1 with carboxylic acid eaters, catal yzed by lipases from Candida antarctica, Pseudomonas cepacia and Pseudomona s fluorescens, have been studied. The reactions take place on the amino and ester functions of the substrate provided that the alkyl group of the achi ral ester differs from ethyl. This property has been exploited for the Cand ida antarctica lipase B-catalyzed resolution of 1 in butyl butyrate, leadin g to the unreacted enantiomer (S)-1 and butyl 3-aminobutyrate, and to the b utanamide of butyl (R)-3-aminobutyrate, (C) 1999 Elsevier Science Ltd. All rights reserved.