Convenient double-enzymatic synthesis of both enantiomers of 6-methyl-ε-caprolactone

Both enantiomers of 6-methyl-ε-caprolactone (6-MeCL) are obtained in high enantiomeric excess by the combination of an enzymatic ring opening of racemic 6-methyl-ε-caprolactone and subsequent enzymatic ring closure. Immobilized Candida antarctica lipase B (Novozym 435) was selected as the biocatalyst for both the ring-opening and the ring-closing reaction. This route provides ready access to enantiopure (S)-6-MeCL (ee = 99.6%) and (R)-6-MeCL (ee = 98.8%).

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(S)-6-Methyl-ε-caprolactoneC7H14O2Ee = 99.6%[α]D = −25.9 (c 13, CHCl3)Source of chirality: enzyme-mediated kinetic resolutionAbsolute configuration: (S)