Lipase-catalyzed kinetic resolution of phenylcyclohexanone oxime esters

Formation of optically active α or γ-phenylcyclohexanone oximes (2a and 2b, c) and their esters (1a and 3b, c) by lipase mediated transesterification of the corresponding racemic esters is described. Furthermore, 2(S)-phenyl and 2,2-dimethyl-4(R)-phenylcyclohexanones (4 and 5) were prepared without any racemization.