Enantioseparation of the esters of alpha-N-acetyl amino acids by lipase in ionic liquid.

Chiral alpha-amino acids have been obtained via enzymatic resolution in ionic liquid medium. The acetyl esters of a series of amino acids were separated by enzyme porcine pancreas lipase (PPL) in an aqueous solution of N-ethyl pyridinium trifluoroacetate, [EtPy]+ [CF3OO]-. A comparative study with organic solvent acetonitrile shows that the ionic liquids provide a better medium for enzymatic resolution. 2005 Wiley-Liss, Inc.