Stereoselective esterification of 2,6-dimethyl-1,7-heptanedioic acid, catalysed by Candida rugosa lipase

The immobilised Candida rugosa lipase (CRL) displayed S-preference for both stereogenic centres in this sequential esterification of 2,6-dimethyl-1,7-heptanedioic acid (1) (pure meso and meso: (±) mixture, 53/47) with n-butanol in cyclohexane at aw=0.8. The reaction was faster when short-chain primary n-alcohols was used and very slow, or even none reactive, when a long-chain alcohol was used.