Pseudomonas sp. lipase immobilized in polymers versus the use of free enzyme in the resolution of (R,S)-methyl mandelate

In the present report, we describe the preparative-scale resolution of (R,S)-methyl mandelate by acylation with vinyl acetate catalyzed by free Pseudomonas sp. lipase or immobilized in poly(ethylene) oxide (PEO) and agar gel, in organic media. Under experimental conditions the method was very effective using the enzyme immobilized in PEO. The degree of conversion was near 50% and yielded both enantiomers with practically 100% of optical purity.