Chemoenzymatic dynamic kinetic resolution of rac-1-phenylethanol in ionic liquids and ionic liquids/supercritical carbon dioxide systems

Continuous dynamic kinetic resolution processes in different ionic liquid/supercritical carbon dioxide biphasic systems were carried out by simultaneously using both immobilized Candida antarctica lipase B (Novozym 435) and silica modified with benzenosulfonic acid (SCX) catalysts at 40°C and 10 MPa. SCX was seen to act as an efficient heterogeneous chemical catalyst for the racemization of (S)-1-phenylethanol in different ionic liquid media ([emim][NTf₂], [btma][NTf₂] and [bmim][PF₆]). Coating both chemical and enzymatic catalysts with ILs greatly improved the efficiency of the process, providing a good yield (76%) of (R)-1-phenylethyl propionate product with excellent enantioselectivity (ee = 91–98%) in continuous operation.     

Candida antarctica lipase B catalyzed enantioselective acylation of pyrimidine acyclonucleoside

Abstract

The influence of solvent and acyl group donor on selectivity of the transesterification reaction of 1-[1′,3′-dihydroxy-2′-propoxymethyl]-5-methyluracil, a structural analogue of ganciclovir was examined. Lipase (EC 3.1.1.3) B from Candida antarctica (CALB) enabled desymmetrization of prochiral hydroxyl groups when 1-butyl-3-methylimidazolium hexafluorophosphate ([Bmim][PF₆]) was used as a reaction medium. It was observed that CALB was up to 2.7–4 times more enantioselective in the ionic liquid [Bmim][PF₆] than in conventional organic solvents.     

Hydrogenation of C–C double bonds in an ionic liquid reaction system using the obligate anaerobe, <Emphasis Type="Italic">Sporomusa termitida</Emphasis>

Sporomusa termitida reduced caffeate (1mM) in anaerobic, two-liquid phase, reaction systems containing either tetradecane or 1-butyl-3-methylimidazolium hexafluorophosphate {[bmim][PF₆]} (20% v/v). The initial rate and final product yield were 20 and 7% lower, respectively, in [bmim][PF₆]. Since caffeate partitioned only into the aqueous phase, the lower rate cannot be attributed to mass transfer barriers. Therefore, [bmim][PF₆] inhibited the biocatalyst, perhaps unsurprisingly since it is very polar and hydrolyses to produce HF.Revisions requested 30 September 2004; Revisions received 2 December 2004     

Stereoselective synthesis of (R)-1-chloro-3(3,4-difluorophenoxy)-2-propanol using lipases from Pseudomonas aeruginosa in ionic liquid-containing system

Direct transesterification of (R,S)-1-chloro-3-(3,4-difluorophenoxy)-2-propanol (rac-CDPP) (a key intermediate in the synthesis of the chiral drug (S)-lubeluzole) with vinyl butyrate by lipases from Pseudomonas aeruginosa (P. aeruginosa) MTCC 5113 was performed in hexane with ionic liquids (ILs) 1-butyl-3-methyl imidazolium hexafluorophosphate [BMIm][PF₆] and 1-butyl-3-methyl imidazolium tetrafluoroborate [BMIm][BF₄] as co-solvents. The maximum conversion (>49%) and enantiomeric excess (ee > 99.9%) was achieved in 6 h of incubation at 30 °C with [BMIm][PF₆] as co-solvent in a two-phase system. The enzyme was able to perform with the same specificity even at 60 °C in the presence of ILs. It was possible to use lipases repeatedly for more than 10 times while still maintaining absolute enantioselectivity and reactivity. Stability studies on lipases from P. aeruginosa in ILs revealed the fact that the enzyme constancy and the reactivity in catalyzing transesterification of rac-CDPP into (S)-1-chloro-3-(3,4-difluorophenoxy)-2-butanoate was of the order of [BMIm][PF₆] > [BMIm][BF₄] in two-phase system.     

Optimization of lipase-catalyzed glucose ester synthesis in ionic liquids

Lipase-catalyzed esterification of glucose with fatty acids in ionic liquids (ILs) mixture was investigated by using supersaturated glucose solution. The effect of ILs mixture ratio, substrate ratio, lipase content, and temperature on the activity and stability of lipase was also studied. The highest yield of sugar ester was obtained in a mixture of 1-butyl-3-methylimidazolium trifluoromethanesulfonate ([Bmim][TfO]) and 1-methyl-3-octylimidazolium bis[(trifluoromethyl)-sulfonyl]amide ([Omim][Tf₂N]) with a volume ratio of 9:1, while Novozym 435 (Candida antarctica type B lipase immobilized on acrylic resin) showed the optimal stability and activity in a mixture of [Bmim][TfO] and [Omim][Tf₂N] with a 1:1 volume ratio. Reuse of lipase and ILs was successfully carried out at the optimized reaction conditions. After 5 times reuse of Novozym 435 and ILs, 78% of initial activity was remained.     

On the nature of ionic liquids and their effects on lipases that catalyze ester synthesis

Free and immobilized lipases from Candida antarctica (CALA and CALB), Thermomyces lanuginosus (TLL) and Rhizomucor miehei (RML) were used as catalysts in the synthesis of butyl propionate by transesterification in reaction media consisting in nine different ionic liquids. Enzyme activities were clearly dependent on the nature of the ions, the results being improving as the alkyl chain length of the imidazolium cation increased, and as a function of the type of anion ([PF₆], [BF₄] or [ethylsulphate]). The best synthetic activity (655.5 U/mg protein at 40 °C) was obtained when free CALB were assayed in the water-miscible IL cocosalkyl pentaethoxy methyl ammonium methosulfate ([CPMA][MS]), and was clearly related with the water content of the medium. The synthetic activity of free CALB in [CPMA][MS] was enhanced with the increase in temperature, while practically no effect was obtained for TLL. The ability of free CALB to synthesize aliphatic esters of different alkyl chain lengths, using different alkyl vinyl esters and 1-alkanols as substrates, was also studied in [CPMA][MS], the best results (4500 U/mg protein) being obtained for the synthesis of hexyl butyrate.     

Ionic liquids as a reaction medium for lipase-catalyzed methanolysis of sunflower oil

Ionic liquids, 1-butyl-3-methyl imidazolium hexafluorophosphate ([BMIm][PF₆]) and 1-ethyl-3-methyl imidazolium hexafluorophosphate ([EMIm][PF₆]), were used for the methanolysis of sunflower oil using Candida antarctica lipase (Novozyme 435) and gave yields of fatty acid methyl esters at 98–99% within 10 h. The optimum conditions of methanolysis in hydrophobic ionic liquids are 2% (w/w) lipase, 1:1 (w/w) oil/ionic liquid and 1:8 (mol/mol) oil/methanol at 58–60°C. Methanolysis using hydrophilic ionic liquids, 3-methyl imidazolium tetrafluoroborate ([HMIm][BF₄]) and 1-butyl-3-methyl imidazolium tetrafluoroborate ([BMIm][BF₄]), gave very poor yields. A hydrophobic ionic liquid thus protects the lipase from methanol. Recovered ionic liquids and lipase were used for four successive reaction cycles without any significant loss of activity.     

Effect of different reaction parameters on the lipase-catalyzed selective acylation of polyhydroxylated natural compounds in ionic liquids

The effect of various reaction parameters on the enzymatic acylation of plant polyhydroxylated compounds, including phenolic and flavonoid glucosides (salicin, helicin, esculin and naringin), was investigated in imidazolium-based ionic liquids (1-butyl-3-methylimidazolium tetrafluoroborate [bmim]BF₄ and 1-butyl-3-methylimidazolium hexafluorophosphate [bmim]PF₆), using immobilized lipase B from Candida antarctica. The conversion yield, the regioselectivity and the reaction rate of the biocatalytic process strongly depended on the ionic liquid used, their water content, the incubation temperature, as well as the solubility and the concentration of substrates. For most glucosides tested, one major product (monoacylated derivative) was detected as a result of the acylation of the primary hydroxyl group of glucose moiety. The acylation rate and the regioselectivity of the process are higher in [bmim]BF₄, where the solubility of all glucosides is significantly higher than in [bmim]PF₆ or acetone. Response surface methodology (RSM) based on a five level-three variable central composite circumscribed design, was employed to evaluate the interactive effect of the molar ratio of substrates (MR), the initial concentration of glucoside (N) and the reaction time (RT), as well as for their optimization in [bmim]BF₄. At the optimal reaction conditions the maximum acylation yield was 87%. The amount of monoacylated derivatives produced in a single-step biocatalytic process reached values up to 31.6 g/l which is considerably higher than those reported for organic media.     

Lipase-catalyzed naproxen methyl ester hydrolysis in water-saturated ionic liquid: significantly enhanced enantioselectivity and stability

The lipase selective hydrolysis of Naproxen methyl ester was explored in both water-saturated isooctane and water-saturated ionic liquid 1-butyl-3-methylimidazolium hexafluoro-phoshate ([bmim]PF₆) to see any significant differences in terms of enantioselectivity and stability between two different classes of reaction media. It is shown that polar and hydrophobic of [bmim]PF₆ made it an unearthly reaction medium for hydrolysis of Naproxen methyl ester. It not only decreases the equilibrium constant (K) and enhances the enantiomeric ratio (E), consequently improves the equilibrium conversion (C_Eq) of the hydrolysis reaction and enantiomeric excess of product (ee_p), but also maintains the lipase activity. Because the lipase would not dissolve in the 1-butyl-3-methylimidazolium hexafluoro-phoshate, it can be filtrated up from 1-butyl-3-methylimidazolium hexafluoro-phoshate and recycled for several runs. The stability of lipase was improved due to the higher solubility of methanol in 1-butyl-3-methylimidazolium hexafluoro-phoshate than in isooctane.     

Tyrosinase activity in ionic liquids

Activity of mushroom tyrosinase was studied in three ionic liquids, 1-butyl-3-methylimidazolium hexafluorophosphate ([BMIm][PF₆]), 1-butyl-3-methylimidazolium tetrafluoroborate ([BMIm][BF₄]) and 1-butyl-3-methylimidazolium methylsulfate ([BMIm][MeSO₄]), and was compared to that in chloroform. Kinetic parameters of the enzyme were determined and the results indicate that the enzyme in ionic liquids basically follows the same catalytic mechanism as in water, and that the ionic liquids may affect the enzyme activity by direct interacting with the enzyme and thus hindering the E–S binding due to their high hydrophilicity and polarity.     

Lipase-catalyzed transesterification in several reaction systems: An application of room temperature lonic liquids for bi-phasic production ofn-butyl acetate

Organic solvents are widely used in biotransformation systems. There are many efforts to reduce the consumption of organic solvents because of their toxicity to the environment and human health. In recent years, several groups have started to explore novel organic solvents called room temperature ionic liquids in order to substitute conventional organic solvents. In this work, lipase-catalyzed transesterification in several uni-and bi-phasic systems was studied. Two representative hydrophobic ionic liquids based on 1-butyl-3-methylimidazolum coupled with hexafluorophosphate ([BMIM][PF₆]) and bis[(trifluoromethylsulfonyl) imide] ([BMIM] [Tf₂N]) were employed as reaction media for the transesterification ofn-butanol. The commercial lipase, Novozym 435, was used for the transesterification reaction with vinyl acetate as an acyl donor, The conversion yield was increased around 10% in a water/[BMIM][Tf₂N], bi-phasic system compared with that in a water/hexane system. A higher distribution of substrates into the water phase is believed to enhance the conversion yield in a water/[BMIM][Tf₂N] system. Partion coefficients of the substrates in the water/[BMIM][Tf₂N] bi-phasic system were higher than three times that found in the water/hexane system, while n-butyl acetate showed a similar distribution in both systems. Thus, RTILs appear to be a promising substitute of organic solvents in some biotransformation systems.     

Growth of Escherichia coli, Pichia pastoris and Bacillus cereus in the Presence of the Ionic Liquids [BMIM][BF4] and [BMIM][PF6] and Organic Solvents

The influence of the two most commonly used ionic liquids (1-butyl-3-methyl imidazolium tetrafluoroborate, [BMIM][BF₄], 1-butyl-3-methyl imidazolium hexafluorophosphate, [BMIM][PF₆]) and three selected organic solvents (dimethylsulfoxide, ethanol, methanol) on the growth of Escherichia coli, Pichia pastoris and Bacillus cereus was investigated. [BMIM][BF₄] was toxic at 1% (v/v) on all three microorganisms. The minimal inhibitory concentration (MIC) of [BMIM][BF₄] on E. coli growth was between 0.7 and 1% (v/v). In contrast, [BMIM][PF₆] was less toxic for P. pastoris and B. cereus, whereas E. coli was not able to tolerate [BMIM][PF₆] (MIC value: 0.3–0.7% v/v). Growth of P. pastoris was unaffected by [BMIM][PF₆] at 10% (v/v). Similar results were found for dimethylsulfoxide. Thus, ionic liquids (ILs) can have substantial inhibitory effects on the growth of microorganisms, which should be taken into account for environmental reasons as well as for the use of ILs as co-solvents in biotransformations. Revisions requested 2 November 2005; Revisions received 20 December 2005     

Chemoenzymatic synthesis of feruloylated monoacyl- and diacyl-glycerols in ionic liquids

Feruloylated monoacyl- and diacyl-glycerols (FMAGs and FDAGs) are lipophilic antioxidants and potential UV absorbers. FMAGs and FDAGs were synthesized by a novel chemoenzymatic method: firstly, ferulic acid was esterified with glycerol to synthesize glyceryl ferulate, using p-toluenesulfonic acid as chemical catalyst in 1-butyl-3-methylimidazolium tetrafluoroborate ([Bmim]BF₄); secondly, glyceryl ferulate was esterified with oleic acid to synthesize FMAGs and FDAGs, using Novozym 435 as biocatalyst in 1-butyl-3-methylimidazolium hexafluorophosphate ([Bmim]PF₆). The conversion of ferulic acid and yield of glyceryl ferulate in the first reaction were both 98%. The yields of FMAGs and FDAGs in the second reaction reached 34 ± 2% and 66 ± 3%, respectively.     

Hydroxynitrile Lyase Catalysis in Ionic Liquid-containing Systems

The cleavage of mandelonitrile catalysed by hydroxynitrile lyases (HNL) from Prunus amygdalus (PaHNL) and Manihot esculenta (MeHNL) proceeded more rapidly in monophasic aqueous media containing 1-propyl-3-methylimidazolium tetrafluoroborate [C₄MIm][BF₄] than in media containing acetonitrile or THF. Both HNLs were much more thermostable in [C₄MIm][BF₄] than in acetonitrile or THF. The addition of each of the four ionic liquids 1-butyl-, 1-pentyl- and 1-hexyl-3-methylimidazolium tetrafluoroborates at 2–6% (v/v in the aqueous phase) increased both the enzyme activity and the product e.e. in the PaHNL-catalysed transcyanation in an aqueous/DIPE biphasic system. However, MeHNL was inactivated by the ionic liquids, as indicated by the decreased reaction rate, substrate conversion and product e.e.     

Alpha-chymotrypsin catalysis in imidazolium-based ionic liquids

The transesterification reaction of N-acetyl-L-phenylalanine ethyl ester with 1-propanol catalyzed by alpha-chymotrypsin was examined in the ionic liquids 1-butyl-3-methylimidazolium hexafluorophosphate ([bmim][PF(6)]) and 1-octyl-3-methylimidazolium hexafluorophosphate ([omim][PF(6)]), and in combination with supercritical carbon dioxide (SC-CO(2)). The activity of alpha-chymotrypsin was studied to determine whether trends in solvent polarity, water activity, and enzyme support properties, observed with this enzyme in conventional organic solvents, hold for the novel environment provided by ionic liquids. alpha-Chymotrypsin freeze-dried with K(2)HPO(4), KCl, or poly(ethylene glycol) demonstrated no activity in [bmim][PF(6)] or [omim][PF(6)] at very low water concentrations, but moderate transesterification rates were observed with the ionic liquids containing 0.25% water (v/v) and higher. However, the physical complexation of the enzyme with poly(ethylene glycol) or KCl did not substantially stimulate activity in the ionic liquids, unlike that observed in hexane or isooctane. Activities were considerably higher in [omim][PF(6)] than [bmim][PF(6)]. Added water was not necessary for enzyme activity when ionic liquids were combined with SC-CO(2). These results indicate that [bmim][PF(6)] and [omim][PF(6)] provide a relatively polar environment, which can be modified with nonpolar SC-CO(2) to optimize enzyme activity.     

Effect of replacing [NTf2] by [PF6] anion on the [BMIm][NTf2] ionic liquid confined by gold

The effect of replacing bis(trifluoromethylsulphonyl)imide ([NTf₂]) by hexafluorophosphate ([PF₆]) in room temperature ionic liquid (IL) 1-butyl-3-methylimidazolium bis(trifluoromethylsulphonyl)imide ([BMIm][NTf₂]) confined between two gold interfaces is herein reported through molecular dynamics simulations using all-atom non-polarisable force-fields. Five systems were studied ranging from pure [BMIm][NTf₂] to pure [BMIm][PF₆], with [PF₆] molar fractions of 0, 0.125, 0.25, 0.375 and 0.5. Special attention was drawn to investigate the impact of the [PF₆] anion on the IL, in particular on the first layers of the liquid in close contact with the solid gold surface.     

Retention factors and resolutions of amino benzoic acid isomers with some lonic liquids

Ionic liquids in the form of organic salts are being widely used as new solvent media. In this paper three positional isomers,o-amino benzoic acid,m-amino benzoic acid, andp-amino benzoic acids were separated with four different ionic liquids as mobile phase additives using high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). The following ionic liquids were used: 1-butyl-3-methylimidazolium tetrafluoroborate ([BMIm][BF₄]), 1-ethyl-3-methylimidazolium tetrafluoroborate ([EMIm][BF₄]), 1-ethyl-3-methylimidazolium methylsulfate ([EMIm][MS]), and 1-octyl-3-methylimidazolium methylsulfate ([OMIm][MS]). The effects of the alkyl group length on the imidazolium ring and its counterion, and the concentrations of the ionic liquids on the retention factors and resolutions of amino benzoic acid isomers were tested. The results of the separations with ionic liquids as the eluents were better than those without ionic liquids. Excellent separations of the three isomers were achieved using 2.0≈8.0 mM/L [OMIm][MS] and 1.0≈8.0 mM/L [EMIm][MS] as the eluent modifiers.     

Effect of ionic liquid [BMIM][PF<Subscript>6</Subscript>] on asymmetric reduction of ethyl 2-oxo-4-phenylbutyrate by <Emphasis Type="Italic">Saccharomyces cerevisiae</Emphasis>

The effect of ionic liquid 1-butyl-3-methylimidazolium hexafluorophosphate ([BMIM][PF₆]) on the asymmetric reduction of ethyl 2-oxo-4-phenylbutyrate (EOPB) to synthesize optical active ethyl 2-hydroxy-4-phenylbutyrate (EHPB) catalyzed by Saccharomyces cerevisiae was investigated. (R)-EHPB [70.4%, e.e.(R)] is obtained using ethyl ether or benzene as the solvent. The main product is (S)-EHPB [27.7%, e.e.(S)] in [BMIM][PF₆]. However, in ionic liquid-water (10:1, v/v) biphasic system, the enantioselectivity of the reduction is shifted towards (R)-side, and e.e.(R) is increased from 6.6 to 82.5% with the addition of ethanol (1%, v/v). The effect of the use of [BMIM][PF₆] as an additive in relatively small amounts on the reduction was also studied. We find that there is a decline in the enantioselectivity of the reduction in benzene. In addition, a decrease in the conversion of EOPB and the yield of EHPB with increasing [BMIM][PF₆] concentrations occurs in either organic solvent–water biphasic systems or benzene.     

Biocatalysis in ionic liquids: the stereoconvergent hydrolysis of trans-β-methylstyrene oxide catalyzed by soluble epoxide hydrolase

Soluble epoxide hydrolase (sEH) was shown to catalyze hydrolysis of epoxides using the ionic liquids (ILs) [bmim][PF₆], [bmim][N(Tf)₂], and [bmim][BF₄] (where bmim=1-butyl-3-methylimidazolium, PF₆=hexafluorophosphate, N(Tf)₂=bis(trifluoromethylsulfonyl)imide, and BF₄=tetrafluoroborate) as reaction medium. Reaction rates were generally comparable with those observed in buffer solution, and when the cress enzyme was used the hydrolysis of trans-β-methylstyrene oxide gave, through a stereoconvergent process, the corresponding optically active (1S,2R)-erythro-1-phenylpropane-1,2-diol.     

Thermal Stability and Activity Regain of Horseradish Peroxidase in Aqueous Mixtures of Imidazolium-Based Ionic Liquids

Thermal deactivation kinetics of horseradish peroxidase (HRP) were studied from 45 to 90 °C in phosphate buffer and 5–25% (v,w/v) 1-butyl-3-methylimidazolium tetrafluoroborate [BMIM][BF₄] and 1-butyl-3-methylimidazolium chloride [BMIM][Cl]. HRP activity at 25 °C was not affected by the presence of ionic liquids up to 20% (v,w/v). Increasing the ionic liquids concentration up to 25% (v,w/v) changed the biphasic character of deactivation kinetics to an apparent single first-order step. The presence of 5–10% (v/v) [BMIM][BF₄] significantly improved HRP thermal stability with lower activation energies for the deactivation second phase (83–87 kJ mol⁻¹). After deactivation, enhanced activity regain of the enzyme, up to 70–80% of the initial activity, was found in 25% (v/v) [BMIM][BF₄] and 10% (w/v) [BMIM][Cl] and correlated to prevalence of the deactivation first phase.