Abstract
The use of hydrolases has become a conventional process in organic synthesis, not
only for the preparation of optically pure compounds, but also for regio- and chemoselective
processes. Their utility for selective transformations under mild reaction conditions
make hydrolases attractive catalysts for performing certain transformations that are
difficult to achieve by nonenzymatic strategies. Nowadays, many companies use lipases
for the preparation of high-added-value compounds and pharmaceuticals because of the
advantages of hydrolase-catalyzed processes, which include cost and environmental
benefits. Their commercial availability, lack of cofactor dependency, and activity
in both aqueous and organic media has allowed the development of asymmetric transformations
which are summarized in this chapter. After a brief general introduction discussing
the potential of hydrolases in organic synthesis, asymmetric reverse hydrolytic processes
are analyzed, substituting the conventional hydrolase nucleophile, water, for other
species such as alcohols, amines, esters, or ammonia. The kinetic resolution and dynamic
kinetic resolution reactions of alcohols and amines are presented, using esters or
carbonates for the production of esters, amides, and carbamates in optically active
form. Finally, the resolution of carboxylic acids or esters is described via less-employed
interesterification, aminolysis, and ammonolysis processes.
