Lipase catalysed kinetic resolutions of 3-aryl alkanoic acids

Hydrolase catalysed kinetic resolutions leading to a series of 3-aryl alkanoic acids (⩾94% ee) are described. Hydrolysis of the ethyl esters with a series of hydrolases was undertaken to identify biocatalysts that yield the corresponding acids with excellent enantiopurity in each case. Steric and electronic effects on the efficiency and enantioselectivity of the biocatalytic transformation were also explored.