Resolution of 3-α-naphthoxy-1,2-propanediol using Candida antarctica lipase

Abstract The stereochemistry of the Candida antarctica lipase B (CALB) catalyzed resolution of diacetate 1 or diol 4 was analyzed. The primary and secondary acetate hydrolyses were studied separately using monoacetates 2 and 3 . The enantioselectivity of CALB was found to be lower towards primary rather than secondary acetates/alcohols. The steric course of the process is discussed.