Chemoenzymatic synthesis of enantiomerically enriched kavalactones

Lipase-mediated kinetic resolution of methyl-3-hydroxy-5-phenylpentanoate and (6E)-ethyl 5-hydroxy-3-oxo-7-phenylhept-6-enoate is described in high enantiomeric excess and good yields. The effect of different lipases in different solvents has been screened using different acylating agents. This protocol has been extended for the preparation of enantiomerically pure biologically important kavalactones.