Lipase-catalyzed kinetic resolution of (±)-2-hydroxymethyl-1,4-benzodioxane

Abstract Who hath his life from rumours freed, Whose conscience is his strong retreat; Whose state can neither flatterers feed, Nor ruin make accusers great; Who God doth late and early pray More of His grace than gifts to lend; And entertains the harmless day With a well chosen book or friend; This man is freed from servile bands Of hope to rise, or fear to fall; Lord of himself, though not of lands; And have nothing, yet hath all. (Sir Henry Wotton, 1568–1639) In memory of G. Snatzke The title compound has been kinetically resolved in a lipase-catalyzed transesterification with vinyl acetate in organic solvents. The influence of the enzyme source as well as the character of the solvent on the enantioselectivity has been studied.