Lipase-catalyzed kinetic resolution of P-chiral phosphorus compounds: enantiopreference of Pseudomonas lipase and Candida antarctica lipase

Optically active 1-hydroxymethylalkylphenylphosphine oxides 1a–c were prepared by Pseudomonas fluorescens lipase (lipase AK) and Candida antarctica lipase (CAL)-catalyzed optical resolution. Lipase AK-catalyzed resolution of tert-butyl derivative 1c showed R-selectivity, whereas CAL preferred the S-enantiomer.