Lipase-catalyzed stereoselective resolution and desymmetrization of binaphthols

We have investigated the use of lipoprotein lipase enzymes from Pseudomonas sp. and Pseudomonas fluorescens for the enantioselective resolution and desymmetrization of racemic binaphthols. The reactions were carried out using a non-aqueous environment (iPr2O/acetone/vinyl acetate), and yielded mono-acetate ester products of the parent unsubstituted substrate, the 6,6′-dibromo-substrate, and the 6,6′-dimethoxy-substrate with high enantiomeric selectivity.