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An enzymatic method for the production of S( + ) 2-arylpropionic acids has been developed. The process consists of the stereoselective hydrolysis of the racemic ethyl esters catalyzed by covalent immobilized Candida cylindracea lipase. The performance and yield of the reaction were evaluated as a function of the critical reaction parameters such as temperature, substrate concentration, pH, ionic strength and stirring speed. An increase in the stirring speed, a diminution of the substrate concentration and pH = 7.0 favors the hydrolysis of esters. The influence of the alkyl chain and the alcoholic residue of the ester have been studied. The ethyl and butyl esters are the most interesting esters for carrying out hydrolysis. High enantioselective hydrolysis of the racemates (yielding S( + ) isomer; ee ≥ 95%) can be achieved using the immobilized derivatives. The different yields of S( + ) 2-arylpropionic acids produced with …