Cross-linked Candida antarctica lipase B is active in denaturing ionic liquids

Candida antarctica lipase B, adsorbed and cross-linked on a polypropylene carrier, maintained its activity when dispersed in ionic liquids, such as [BMIm][NO3], that denatured the free enzyme. The acylations (kinetic resolutions) of 1-phenylethanol (E > 500) and 1-phenylethylamine (E = 95), when carried out in [BMIm][NO3], were slow in comparison with molecular solvents but highly enantioselective.