Lipase-catalysed transesterification in the preparation of optically active solketal

Abstract

A lipase-catalysed method for a large-scale preparation of both (R)-(ee 99%) and (S)-solketal (ee 94% after double resolution) has been described. Separation of the reaction products in the resolution mixture was achieved by extraction/distillation and the unwanted enantiomer was racemized and recycled.