Broadening the chemical scope of laccases: selective deprotection of N-benzyl groups

Abstract

Laccase from Trametes versicolor together with TEMPO has been found to be a very efficient system to deprotect N-benzylated primary amines, differing from previously described methods since it uses oxygen as a mild oxidant in aqueous medium. Chemoselective removal of the benzyl group was achieved with excellent yields when secondary amines and alcohol moieties were also present.