Bienzymatic cascade for the synthesis of an optically active O-benzoyl cyanohydrin

Journal Article (2019)
Author(s)

Laura Leemans (ViaZym, Technical University of Braunschweig)

Luuk van Langen (ViaZym)

Frank Hollmann (TU Delft - BT/Biocatalysis)

Anett Schallmey (Technical University of Braunschweig)

DOI related publication
https://doi.org/10.3390/catal9060522 Final published version
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Publication Year
2019
Language
English
Issue number
6
Volume number
9
Article number
522
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185
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Abstract

A concurrent bienzymatic cascade for the synthesis of optically pure (S)-4-methoxymandelonitrile benzoate ((S)-3) starting from 4-anisaldehyde (1) has been developed. The cascade involves an enantioselective Manihot esculenta hydroxynitrile lyase-catalyzed hydrocyanation of 1, and the subsequent benzoylation of the resulting cyanohydrin (S)-2 catalyzed by Candida antarctica lipase A in organic solvent. To accomplish this new direct synthesis of the protected enantiopure cyanohydrin, both enzymes were immobilized and each biocatalytic step was studied separately in search for a window of compatibility. In addition, potential cross-interactions between the two reactions were identified. Optimization of the cascade resulted in 81% conversion of the aldehyde to the corresponding benzoyl cyanohydrin with 98% enantiomeric excess.