One-pot synthesis of enantiopure 3,4-dihydroisocoumarins through dynamic reductive kinetic resolution processes

Org Lett. 2013 Aug 2;15(15):3872-5. doi: 10.1021/ol401606x. Epub 2013 Jul 12.

Abstract

A straightforward chemoenzymatic synthesis of enantiopure 4-alkyl-3-methyl-3,4-dihydroisocoumarins through a ketoreductase-catalyzed one-pot dynamic reductive kinetic resolution is reported. E. coli/ADH-A cells have shown outstanding diastereo- and enantioselectivity toward the bioreduction of a series of racemic ketones, with the use of anion exchange resins or triethylamine being compatible in the same aqueous reaction medium. The so-obtained enantiopure alcohols were subsequently cyclized in acid media affording the corresponding lactones in good to excellent conversions (72-96%) and excellent selectivities (dr ≥99:1 and ee >99%).

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Anion Exchange Resins / chemistry
  • Biocatalysis
  • Catalysis
  • Escherichia coli / chemistry*
  • Escherichia coli / metabolism*
  • Isocoumarins / chemical synthesis*
  • Isocoumarins / chemistry*
  • Ketones / chemistry
  • Kinetics
  • Lactones / chemistry*
  • Molecular Dynamics Simulation
  • Molecular Structure
  • Nuclear Magnetic Resonance, Biomolecular
  • Oxidation-Reduction
  • Stereoisomerism

Substances

  • Anion Exchange Resins
  • Isocoumarins
  • Ketones
  • Lactones