Lipase-catalysed selective monoacylation of 1,n-diols with vinyl acetate

A simple enzymatic methodology for the selective monoacetylation of 1,n-diols (n=5,8) using vinyl acetate is reported. Monoacetylation excesses of 81–87% at 74–90% 1,n-diol conversions were obtained in toluene and diisopropyl ether using Thermomyces lanuginosus lipase (TLL) immobilised on polypropylene powder as catalyst.