Conversion of biobased platform chemicals
to enantiopure compounds
has become topical. We report a straightforward synthesis of 4-(acyloxy)-pentanoic
acids from γ-valerolactone (GVL). An alkaline hydrolysis of
GVL is followed by a stereoselective lipase-catalyzed acylation of
the sodium salt. Acidic hydrolysis of the acylation product affords
(R)-4-(acyloxy)pentanoic acid and relactonized (S)-GVL. (R)-4-(Propionyloxy)pentanoic acid
and (R)-GVL are obtained with e.r. > 99/1. An additional enzymatic step following a slightly modified
process affords (S)-4-(acetyloxy)pentanoic acid with e.r. > 99/1. Simple access to enantiopure 4-(acyloxy)pentanoic
acids will stimulate the development of their novel applications,
including biobased isotactic polymers.
scite is a Brooklyn-based organization that helps researchers better discover and understand research articles through Smart Citations–citations that display the context of the citation and describe whether the article provides supporting or contrasting evidence. scite is used by students and researchers from around the world and is funded in part by the National Science Foundation and the National Institute on Drug Abuse of the National Institutes of Health.