Enzymatic resolution of Indinavir precursor in ionic liquids with reuse of biocatalyst and media by product sublimation

Abstract

Efficient enzymatic resolution of (±)-cis-benzyl N-(1-hydroxyindan-2-yl)carbamate in [aliq][N(CN)₂] by acylation using CALB as a biocatalyst was achieved, with the possibility of catalyst and medium reuse. The reaction proceeds to the formation of the corresponding acetate in moderate yield and high enantiomeric excess for the first and second cycles. Additionally, the biocatalyst can be recovered by filtration and reaction products can be easily removed from the ionic liquid by direct sublimation under high vacuum.