Aldolase antibodies, catalytic asymmetric

On the basis of encouraging work in the development of L-proline-DMSO and L-proline-ionic liquid systems for practical asymmetric aldol reactions, an aldolase antibody 38C2 was evaluated in the ionic liquid [BMIM]PF6 as a reusable aldolase-ionic liquid catalytic system for the aldol synthesis of oc-chloro- 3-hydroxy compounds (288). The biocatalytic process was followed by chemical catalysis using Et3N in the ionic liquid [BMIM]TfO at room temperature, which transformed the oc-chloro-(3-hydroxy compounds to the optically active (70% ee) oc, (3-epoxy carbonyl compounds. The aldolase antibody 38C2-ionic liquid system was also shown to be reusable for Michael additions and the reaction of fluoromethylated imines. 

In theory, the programmable stereoselectivities of catalytic antibodies makes them well suited for asymmetric synthesis. Several such transformations have been carried out on a preparative scale. Kinetic resolution of the epothilone precursor 19 with the aldolase antibody 38C2 is instructive (Scheme 4.9) [57]. The reaction proceeds in good yield (37 %) and high enantiomeric excess (90 %). However, so much catalyst is needed (0.5 g of IgG antibody was used for the resolution of 0.75 g 19) that large-scale production is likely to be impractical in many cases. As most antibody catalysts are much less efficient than the aldolases, catalyst costs will generally be appreciable. 

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