Synthesis of Optically Active 4-Hydroxyalkanenitriles via an Enzymatic Reaction

Abstract Lipase-catalyzed enantioselective hydrolysis of esters of 4-hydroxyalkanenitriles was demonstrated for the first time. Efficient optical resolution was achieved when (±)-3-cyano-1-phenylpropyl 2-(phenylthio)acetate was hydrolyzed by lipase PS (Pseudomonas sp.).