Enzymatic chemical transformations of aldehydes, ketones, esters and alcohols using plant fragments as the only biocatalyst: Ximenia americana grains

Abstract

The present study demonstrated the ability of Ximenia american as a biocatalyst in reduction, hydrolysis and esterification reactions. The reduction reactions of aldehydes and ketones, ester hydrolysis and esterification of alcohols were carried out with interesting results. Reduction of ketones afforded yields of 6–60% with ee in the range of 35–>99% and that of aldehydes in yields of 51–99%. On the other hand, ester hydrolysis afforded yields of 58–98% with ee in the range 34–87%, while esterification of alcohols in 18–99% yields. Experimental conditions for all reactions have been defined using standard substrates as indicated in results and discussion. Some of the products are the potential building blocks for the synthesis of molecules which are of pharmaceutical and agrochemical importance.