Simultaneous synthesis of enantiomerically pure (R)-1-phenylethanol and (R)-alpha-methylbenzylamine from racemic alpha-methylbenzylamine using omega-transaminase/alcohol dehydrogenase/glucose dehydrogenase coupling reaction.

A simultaneous synthesis of (R)-1-phenylethanol and (R)-alpha-methylbenzylamine from racemic alpha-methylbenzylamine was achieved using an omega-transaminase, alcohol dehydrogenase, and glucose dehydrogenase in a coupled reaction. Racemic alpha-methylbenzylamine (100 mM) was converted to 49 mM (R)-1-phenylethanol (> 99% ee) and 48 mM (R)-alpha-methylbenzylamine (> 98% ee) in 18 h at 37 degrees C. This method was also used to overcome product inhibition of omega-TA by the ketone product in the kinetic resolution of racemic amines at high concentration.