Chemoenzymatic synthesis of chiral unsymmetrical benzoin esters

A chemoenzymatic Dynamic Kinetic Resolution (DKR) of unsymmetrical benzoins (Ar1≠Ar2) has been carried out, by using Pseudomonas stutzeri lipase stereorecognition pattern. After studying this lipase behaviour, a high preference towards acylation of those benzoins containing substituents in the phenyl ring rather than in the benzoyl moiety was observed. This fact allowed the development of the DKR process of this kind of substrates, avoiding the accumulation of secondary products derived from the in situ racemization mediated by Shvo’s catalyst action, and allowing the synthesis of enantiopure unsymmetrical benzoins acetates (not previously described) in very good yields (60–95%) and excellent enantiomeric excess values (always >99%).