Lipase-catalyzed dynamic hydrolytic resolution of (R,S)-2,2,2-trifluoroethyl α-chlorophenyl acetate in water-saturated isooctane

The hydrolytic resolution of (R,S)-2,2,2-trifluoroethyl α-chlorophenylacetate in water-saturated isooctane containing Lipase MY(I) at 35 °C is selected as the best reaction condition for producing (R)-α-chlorophenyl acetic acid. The kinetic constants, and hence an enantiomeric ratio of 33.6, are estimated and employed for the modeling of time-course conversions of both substrates by considering product inhibition and enzyme deactivation effects. A successful dynamic kinetic resolution is also achieved, giving the desired (R)-α-chlorophenylacetic acid of 93.0% yield and ee_P = 89.5% when 80 mmol dm^-3 trioctylamine acting as the racemization catalyst and enzyme activator is initially added.