Enzyme- and Transition Metal-Catalyzed Asymmetric Transformations Application of Enzymatic (D)KR in Enantioselective Synthesis

Abstract: Dynamic kinetic resolution (DKR) is a powerful method for obtaining compounds with high optical purity. The process relies on the combination of a kinetic resolution with an in situ racemization. In this thesis, a combination of an immobilized hydrolase and a transition metal-based racemization catalyst was employed in DKR to transform racemic alcohols and amines into enantioenriched esters and amides, respectively.In the first part the DKR of 1,2-amino alcohols with different rings sizes and N-protecting groups is described. We showed that the immobilization method used to support the lipase strongly influenced the stereoselectivity of the reaction.The second part deals with the DKR of C3-functionalized cyclic allylic alcohols affording the corresponding allylic esters in high yields and high ee’s. The protocol was also extended to include carbohydrate derivatives, leading to inversion of a hydroxyl substituted chiral center on the carbohydrate.The third part focuses on an improved method for obtaining benzylic primary amines. By using a novel, recyclable catalyst composed of Pd nanoparticles on amino-functionalized mesocellular foam, DKR could be performed at 50 °C. Moreover, Lipase PS was for the first time employed in the DKR of amines.In the fourth part DKR was applied in the total synthesis of Duloxetine, a compound used in the treatment of major depressive disorder. By performing a six-step synthesis, utilizing DKR in the enantiodetermining step, Duloxetine could be isolated in an overall yield of 37% and an ee >96%.In the final part we investigated how the enantioselectivty of reactions catalyzed by Candida Antarctica lipase B for δ-substituted alkan-2-ols are influenced by water. The results showed that the enzyme displays much higher enantioselectivity in water than in anhydrous toluene. The effect was rationalized by the creation of a water mediated hydrogen bond in the active site that helps the enzyme form enantiodiscriminating binding modes.