Lipase immobilized on HOOC-MCF: A highly enantioselective catalyst for transesterification resolution of (R,S)-1-phenylethanol

Pseudomonas cepacia lipase (PSL) immobilized on the carboxyl-functionalized meso-cellular foams (HOOC-MCF) was used for the transesterification resolution of (R,S)-1-phenylethanol in organic solvent. The results showed that the ee value of (S)-1-phenylethanol and (R)-1-phenylethyl acetate reached 99% with 50% conversion of 1-phenylethanol using toluene as solvent. Furthermore, it was found that PSL/HOOC-MCF exhibited high enantioselectivity in organic solvent with log P ≤ 2 such as toluene and hexane.