Enzymatic Kinetic Resolution Research Articles

Cooperative chemoenzymatic and biocatalytic cascades to access chiral sulfur compounds bearing C(sp3)–S stereocentres

Biocatalysis has been widely employed for the generation of carbon-carbon/heteroatom stereocentres, yet its application in chiral C(sp3)–S bond construction is rare and limited to enzymatic kinetic resolutions. Herein, we describe the enantioselective construction of chiral C(sp3)–S bonds through ene-reductase biocatalyzed conjugate reduction of prochiral vinyl sulfides. A series of cooperative sequential/concurrent chemoenzymatic and biocatalytic cascades have been developed to access a broad range of chiral sulfides, including valuable β-hydroxysulfides bearing two adjacent C(sp3)–S and C(sp3)–O stereocentres, in a stereoconvergent manner with good to excellent yields (up to 96%) and enantioselectivities (up to >99% ee). Notably, this biocatalytic strategy allows to overcome the long-standing shortcomings of catalyst poisoning and C(sp2)/C(sp3)–S bond cleavage faced in transition-metal-catalyzed hydrogenation of vinyl sulfides. Finally, the potential of this methodology is also exemplified by its broader application in the stereoconvergent assembly of chiral C(sp3)–N/O/Se bonds with good to excellent enantioselctivities.

Chemoenzymatic Synthesis of Plant‐Derived Kavalactone Natural Products by Dynamic Resolution Using a Biosynthetic O‐Methyltransferase Tailoring Enzyme

Biosynthetic enzymes have enormous potential for the chemoenzymatic synthesis of natural products and other bioactive compounds. Methyltransferases are promising tools for the selective enzymatic modification of complex structures. This paper describes the production, purification and biochemical characterization of the O‐methyltransferase JerF, which catalyzes unique 4‐methoxy‐5,6‐dihydropyranone formation in jerangolid A biosynthesis. Isolation problems had hitherto prevented detailed studies on JerF and were solved by the production of the maltose‐binding protein fusion protein. The differentiation of JerF between styryl‐substituted dihydropyrandion enantiomers was investigated. In combination with a spontaneous racemization occurring with this type of substrates, a new enzymatic dynamic kinetic resolution was observed, which was used for the enantioselective chemoenzymatic synthesis of kavalactone natural products and new derivatives. In combination with an HMT‐based SAM regeneration system, (+)‐kavain, (+)‐11,12‐dimethoxykavain and (+)‐12‐fluorokavain were prepared in 3‐4 steps on the 100 µmol scale with overall yields of 37‐57% and ees of 70‐86%. A mutational study based on an AlphaFold 2 model provided indications for active site residues with an influence on the performance of the enzyme that could be targets for engineering. This example illustrates how the exceptional enzymatic activities and specificities of biosynthetic enzymes can be exploited for the development of new synthesis approaches.

Synthetic studies towards naturally occurring bicyclic γ-alkylidene butenolide cochinolide through hetero Pauson-Khand reaction

Synthetic studies directed towards naturally occurring γ-alkylidene bicyclic butenolide cochinolide is described in this manuscript. Hetero Pauson-Khand (PK) reaction of enantiopure 1,6-yne-aldehyde was employed as a key transformation to construct the crucial butenolide core, albeit in low yield. The precursor for hetero PK reaction was accessed through enzymatic kinetic resolution (EKR) and other related transformations.

Recent advances in catalytic asymmetric synthesis.

Asymmetric catalysis stands at the forefront of modern chemistry, serving as a cornerstone for the efficient creation of enantiopure chiral molecules characterized by their high selectivity. In this review, we delve into the realm of asymmetric catalytic reactions, which spans various methodologies, each contributing to the broader landscape of the enantioselective synthesis of chiral molecules. Transition metals play a central role as catalysts for a wide range of transformations with chiral ligands such as phosphines, N-heterocyclic carbenes (NHCs), etc., facilitating the formation of chiral C-C and C-X bonds, enabling precise control over stereochemistry. Enantioselective photocatalytic reactions leverage the power of light as a driving force for the synthesis of chiral molecules. Asymmetric electrocatalysis has emerged as a sustainable approach, being both atom-efficient and environmentally friendly, while offering a versatile toolkit for enantioselective reductions and oxidations. Biocatalysis relies on nature's most efficient catalysts, i.e., enzymes, to provide exquisite selectivity, as well as a high tolerance for diverse functional groups under mild conditions. Thus, enzymatic optical resolution, kinetic resolution and dynamic kinetic resolution have revolutionized the production of enantiopure compounds. Enantioselective organocatalysis uses metal-free organocatalysts, consisting of modular chiral phosphorus, sulfur and nitrogen components, facilitating remarkably efficient and diverse enantioselective transformations. Additionally, unlocking traditionally unreactive C-H bonds through selective functionalization has expanded the arsenal of catalytic asymmetric synthesis, enabling the efficient and atom-economical construction of enantiopure chiral molecules. Incorporating flow chemistry into asymmetric catalysis has been transformative, as continuous flow systems provide precise control over reaction conditions, enhancing the efficiency and facilitating optimization. Researchers are increasingly adopting hybrid approaches that combine multiple strategies synergistically to tackle complex synthetic challenges. This convergence holds great promise, propelling the field of asymmetric catalysis forward and facilitating the efficient construction of complex molecules in enantiopure form. As these methodologies evolve and complement one another, they push the boundaries of what can be accomplished in catalytic asymmetric synthesis, leading to the discovery of novel, highly selective transformations which may lead to groundbreaking applications across various industries.

Green Synthesis of Biorelevant Scaffolds through Organocatalytic/ Enzymatic Dynamic Kinetic Resolution.

This review highlights major developments in the application of green organocatalytic and enzymatic dynamic kinetic resolutions (DKRs) in the total synthesis of biorelevant scaffolds. It illustrates the diversity of useful bioactive products and intermediates that can be synthesized under greener and more economic conditions through the combination of the powerful concept of DKR, which allows the resolution of racemic compounds with up to 100% yield, with either asymmetric organocatalysis or enzymatic catalysis, avoiding the use of toxic and expensive metals. With the need for more ecologic synthetic technologies, this field will undoubtedly expand its scope in the future with the employment of other organocatalysts/enzymes to even more types of transformations, thus allowing powerful greener and more economic strategies to reach other biologically important molecules.

Enzymatic kinetic resolution of an intermediate alcohol of the drug Tegoprazan using lipase from Thermomyces lanuginosus

An enzymatic approach for the synthesis of intermediate alcohol of the drug tegoprazan in 99% ee at 20 °C in hexane has been developed utilizing commercially available immobilized Thermomyces lanuginosus lipase (TL lipase) as a biocatalyst and vinyl acetate as a acyl donor. This method involves the enantioselective esterification of (RS)-5,7-difluorochroman-4-ol with vinyl acetate using TL Lipase. This enzymatic approach provides the (S)-chiral alcohol in 44% yield with 99% enantiomeric excess (ee) and the (R)-acetate in 43% yield and >99% ee. It is a sustainable approach for the synthesis of enantiopure tegoprazan intermediate, contributing to the advancement of green chemistry. The recovered TL lipase was reused in 13 subsequent runs without loss of activity.

Asymmetric Construction of Substituted Purine Esters with Tunable N‐9/N‐7 Regioselectivity via Enzymatic Dynamic Kinetic Resolution

AbstractWe report an enzyme‐catalyzed dynamic kinetic resolution protocol for the one‐pot asymmetric synthesis of substituted purine derivatives. The controllable N‐9/N‐7 substitution, which posed formidable challenges in organic synthesis, could be accomplished by choosing different types of enzymes as catalysts. This method was proved scalable and was used to prepare a series of prodrugs of medicinally active acids. In addition, the recyclability test of the biocatalysts indicated the potential of this strategy for applications in the pharmaceutical industry.

Enhancing the Enantioselectivity and Catalytic Efficiency of Esterase from Bacillus subtilis for Kinetic Resolution of l-Menthol through Semirational Design.

Enzymatic kinetic resolution is a promising way to produce l-menthol. However, the properties of the reported biocatalysts are still unsatisfactory and far from being ready for industrial application. Herein, a para-nitrobenzylesterase (pnbA) gene from Bacillus subtilis was cloned and expressed to produce l-menthol from d,l-menthyl acetate. The highest enantiomeric excess (ee) value of the product generated by pnbA was only approximately 80%, with a high conversion rate (47.8%) of d,l-menthyl acetate with the help of a cosolvent, indicating high catalytic activity but low enantioselectivity (E = 19.95). To enhance the enantioselectivity and catalytic efficiency of pnbA to d,l-menthyl acetate in an organic solvent-free system, site-directed mutagenesis was performed based on the results of molecular docking. The F314E/F315T mutant showed the best catalytic properties (E = 36.25) for d,l-menthyl acetate, with 92.11% ee and 30.58% conversion of d,l-menthyl acetate. To further improve the properties of pnbA, additional mutants were constructed based on the structure-guided triple-code saturation mutagenesis strategy. Finally, four mutants were screened for the best enantioselectivity (ee > 99%, E > 300) and catalytic efficiency at a high substrate concentration (200 g/L) without a cosolvent. This work provides several generally applicable biocatalysts for the industrial production of l-menthol.

Practical Synthesis of Valbenazine via 1,3‐Dipolar Cycloaddition†

Comprehensive SummaryValbenazine (Ingrezza), a potent and highly selective inhibitor of vesicular monoamine transporter type 2 (VMAT2) through the active metabolite hydrotetrabenazine (HTBZ), has been approved for the treatment of tardive dyskinesia and, very recently, for chorea, which is associated with Huntington's disease. Despite numerous synthetic efforts dedicated to the synthesis of HTBZ, the industrial preparation of valbenazine uses dihydroisoquinoline as a starting material and the chiral resolution of racemic HTBZ derived from ketone reduction. Herein, we present a practical synthesis of HTBZ and valbenazine featuring a highly stereoselective 1,3‐dipolar cycloaddition and enzymatic kinetic resolution. The cascade process includes cycloaddition, N—O bond cleavage, and lactamization, which proved to be operationally simple. The allure of the enzymatic resolution developed in this work offers a rapid access toward affording tetrahydroisoquinoline (THIQ)‐fused piperidine in the production of medically significant compounds, such as yohimbine and reserpine.

Synthetic studies towards naturally occurring aporpinones: asymmetric synthesis of 1'-deshydroxymethyl analogues of aporpinone A, aporpinone B and 4'-hydroxyaporpinone A.

Herein, we disclose the asymmetric total synthesis of 1'-deshydroxymethyl analogues of naturally occurring aporpinone A, aporpinone B, and 4'-hydroxyaporpinone A, featuring a γ-Z-alkylidene butenolide framework. Bimetallic (Pd-Cu) cascade cyclization on a properly functionalized bis-alkyne with Z-2-bromoacrylic acid was employed to construct the butenolide framework with an alkyne appendage. Late-stage enzymatic kinetic resolution (EKR) was adopted for the synthesis of (R)-1'-deshydroxymethyl aporpinone A and (S)-1'-deshydroxymethyl acetyl aporpinone A. The enantiopure bis-alkyne required for the synthesis of (S)-1'-deshydroxymethyl aporpinone B and (R)-1'-deshydroxymethyl 4'-hydroxyaporpinone A was constructed through the Sonogashira cross-coupling reaction.

Chemoenzymatic asymmetric total synthesis of naturally occurring resorcylic acid lactones hamigeromycins F and G.

Asymmetric total synthesis of two naturally occurring resorcylic acid lactones (RALs), hamigeromycins F and G, was achieved for the first time. The synthetic strategy involved a late-stage intramolecular macrolactonization achieved with a transesterification reaction. Stereocenters (C10' and C6') in both the molecules were accessed via an enzymatic kinetic resolution reaction. The penta-substituted aromatic core present in hamigeromycins F and G was accessed using vanillin as a precursor. The crucial E-olefinic unsaturated bond at C1'-C2' was constructed with a stereoselective Julia-Kocienski olefination reaction.

Enzymatic Kinetic Resolution of Tertiary Benzyl Bicyclic Alcohols: Studies of the Reaction Conditions for a More Efficient Protocol

Enzymatic Kinetic Resolution of Tertiary Benzyl Bicyclic Alcohols: Studies of the Reaction Conditions for a More Efficient Protocol

Novel Kinetic Resolution of Thiazolo-Benzimidazolines Using MAO Enzymes.

The kinetic resolution of racemic 1H,3H-thiazolo[3,4-a]benzimidazoline (TBIM) heterocycles was achieved using E. coli whole cells expressing the MAO-N D11 enzyme. Several cosolvents were screened using TBIM 2a as the substrate. DMF was the best cosolvent, affording the pure enantiomer (+)-2a in 44% yield, 94% ee. The stereochemistry of TBIM was predicted by means of ab initio calculations of optical rotation and circular dichroism spectra. The reaction scope was investigated for 11 substituted (±) TBIM using an optimized protocol. The best yield and % ee were obtained for the nonsubstituted 2a. Among the substituted compounds, the 5-substituted-TBIM showed better % ee than the 4-substituted one. The small electron donor group (Me) led to better % ee than the electron-withdrawing groups (-NO2 and -CO2Et), and the bulky naphthyl group was detrimental for the kinetic resolution. Docking experiments and molecular dynamics (MD) simulations were employed to further understand the interactions between MAO-N D11 and the thiazolo-benzimidazoline substrates. For 2a, the MD showed favorable positioning and binding energy for both enantiomers, thus suggesting that this kinetic resolution is influenced not only by the active site but also by the entry tunnel. This work constitutes the first report of the enzymatic kinetic resolution applied to TBIM heterocycles.

Atroposelective Total Synthesis of (+)‐Isokotanin A via Combined Metal and Enzyme Catalysis

AbstractIn this report a new atroposelective total synthesis of (+)‐isokotanin A is described. The combination of metal‐ and enzyme catalysis facilitates a scalable route towards the key axially chiral 2,2′‐biphenol building block. We established a one‐pot Miyaura‐Suzuki homocoupling towards the tetra‐ortho‐substituted biphenol on a decagram scale, applying Buchwald's precatalyst PdG4SPhos and SPhos in low loadings. Next, an enzymatic kinetic resolution method was achieved by utilizing commercially available Candida rugosa lipase for catalyzing the enantioselective hydrolysis of biphenyl dipropionate. The enantiomerically pure tetra‐ortho‐substituted biphenol was converted in 8 steps to the natural product.

From Pyridine to (−)‐Agelastatin A

Abstract(−)‐Agelastatin A was synthetized employing a flow photorearrangement of a pyridinium salt, constructing in one step the cyclopentene core possessing the desired functionalities and relative configurations. A flow enzymatic kinetic resolution of the resulting bicyclic vinyl aziridine delivered the enantiopure precursor to the natural product. This total synthesis required the use of a single protective group. Two novel agelastatin N3‐derivatives were synthesized and their cytotoxicity evaluated against a series of cancer cell lines, which corroborated the importance of unsubstituted N3 in the biological activity of (−)‐agelastatin A.

Lipase catalyzed chemo-enzymatic synthesis of propranolol: A newer enzymatic approach

The biocatalytic processes are greener and safer alternatives for synthesis of drug and drug intermediates. This study reports one such approach of chemo-enzymatic synthesis of propranolol, a β-adrenergic receptor blocker. A green synthetic route was employed for synthesis of propranolol using enzymatic kinetic resolution. Racemic mixture of secondary alcohol [1-chloro-3-(naphthalen-1-yloxy)propan-2-ol] (RS)-5 was synthesized chemically in two step reaction and further its enzymatic kinetic resolution was carried out by using lipase to synthesize enantiomeric forms (R)-5 and S-(6) of propranolol. The kinetic resolution of (RS)-5 involves the transesterification of secondary racemic alcohol in which vinyl acetate is used as acyl donor. Initially, we screened commercially available lipases for kinetic resolution and of all the screened lipases Addzyme 001 showed the best results. The several reaction parameters such as organic solvent, acyl donor, temperature, reaction time and enzyme concentration were optimized to improve rate of reaction and to achieve maximum enantioselectivity. Addzyme 001 at 40 mg shows the maximum conversion rate of 49% using cyclohexane as the organic solvent, vinyl acetate as the acyl donor and it was found that the reaction yield was higher for (R)-5 along with the (S)-6 (eep = 98%, ees = 97%) at 40 °C in 48 h. Further, the treatment of (R)-5 with isopropyl amine resulted into formation of (S)-propranolol eep = 98%, and overall yield 29% independently. To synthesize (R)-propranolol, S-(6) acetate was produced enzymatically and was further deacylated by chemical hydrolysis for the production of (R)-propranolol. This study reports newer approach for synthesis of (R) and (S) propranolol using chemoenzymatic route.

On the Use of Orthoformates as an Efficient Approach to Enhance the Enzymatic Enantioselective Synthesis of (S)-Ibuprofen

In this paper, we describe the effectiveness of the combination between an organic solvent system mixture with orthoformates with different chain sizes from one to four carbon atoms. These orthoesters have been used as a “water trapper/alcohol releaser molecule” to reach a notable improvement in enantioselectivity and enantiomeric excess of our target compound, (S)-2-(4-isobutylphenyl)propanoic acid (ibuprofen eutomer), during the enzymatic kinetic resolution of rac-ibuprofen using immobilized lipase B of Candida antarctica as a biocatalyst. At the same time, one of the great problems of biocatalysis in organic media has been solved by eliminating excess water in the medium that allows the reversibility of the reaction. Following the optimization of the reaction conditions, an increase in enantiomeric excess and enantioselectivity was reached by using these acyl donors in the presence of a cosolvent.

Chemoenzymatic Enantioselective Synthesis of the Hancock Alkaloids (S)- and (R)-Galipeine, (S)-Cuspareine, (S)-Galipinine, and (S)-Angustureine

AbstractThe enantioselective synthesis of the Hancock 1,2,3,4-tetrahydroquinoline alkaloids (S)-galipeine, (S)-cuspareine, (S)-galipinine, and (S)-angustureine and the nonnatural enantiomer (R)-galipeine is described herein. The target compounds were obtained in five steps from a racemic quinaldinic acid derived α-amino ester in overall yields of 21.2% to 37.5%. The synthetic route comprised two key steps: an enzymatic kinetic resolution to control the C-2 stereocenter, affording (R)- and (S)-α-amino esters as key chiral intermediates with 94% and 72% ee, respectively, and Wittig olefination of (R)- and (S)-α-amino aldehyde synthons with the corresponding phosphonium salts using a phase-transfer system (t-BuOH/CH2Cl2), thereby allowing the introduction of alkyl substituents at C-2. Finally, the enantioselective synthesis was concluded with the catalytic hydrogenation of olefinic bonds on the Wittig adducts to furnish the target Hancock alkaloids, including (R)-galipeine, whose synthesis is described here for the first time.

Exquisite use of Selenoesters as Recyclable Acyl Donors for Lipases‐catalyzed Kinetic Resolution

AbstractLipase‐catalyzed enantioselective synthetic reactions employing enol esters, activated esters, anhydrides, and oximes as acyl donors is a well‐consolidated strategy towards enantiopure compounds. However, lipases can also cleave the C−S bond of thioesters, proving that other classes of substances can be used as acyl donors in lipase‐catalyzed transformations. Herein we describe the application of selenoesters as a new class of acyl donors in enzymatic kinetic resolution of chiral alcohols. A series of selenoesters was successfully employed in the resolution of chiral primary and secondary alcohols, demonstrating that lipases can also cleave the C−Se bond. Assays using selenoesters as acyl donors in lipase‐catalyzed reactions furnished enantiopure compounds (e.e.>99 %) and enantiomeric ratio (E>200). We also observed that the enzymatic reaction is accelerated in an oxygen atmosphere and performing a preparative scale reaction could demonstrate how simple and easy the purification process is to recover the diselenide formed during the resolution.

Chemoenzymatic Synthesis of Optically Active Alcohols Possessing 1,2,3,4-Tetrahydroquinoline Moiety Employing Lipases or Variants of the Acyltransferase from Mycobacterium smegmatis

The enzymatic kinetic resolution (EKR) of racemic alcohols or esters is a broadly recognized methodology for the preparation of these compounds in optically active form. Although EKR approaches have been developed for the enantioselective transesterification of a vast number of secondary alcohols or hydrolysis of their respective esters, to date, there is no report of bio- or chemo-catalytic asymmetric synthesis of non-racemic alcohols possessing 1,2,3,4-tetrahydroquinoline moiety, which are valuable building blocks for the pharmaceutical industry. In this work, the kinetic resolution of a set of racemic 1,2,3,4-tetrahydroquinoline-propan-2-ols was successfully carried out in neat organic solvents (in the case of CAL-B and BCL) or in water (in the case of MsAcT single variants) using immobilized lipases from Candida antarctica type B (CAL-B) and Burkholderia cepacia (BCL) or engineered acyltransferase variants from Mycobacterium smegmatis (MsAcT) as the biocatalysts and vinyl acetate as irreversible acyl donor, yielding enantiomerically enriched (S)-alcohols and the corresponding (R)-acetates with E-values up to 328 and excellent optical purities (>99% ee). In general, higher ee-values were observed in the reactions catalyzed by lipases; however, the rates of the reactions were significantly better in the case of MsAcT-catalyzed enantioselective transesterifications. Interestingly, we have experimentally proved that enantiomerically enriched 1-(7-nitro-3,4-dihydroquinolin-1(2H)-yl)propan-2-ol undergoes spontaneous amplification of optical purity under achiral chromatographic conditions.