Immobilized lipase screening towards continuous-flow kinetic resolution of (±)-1,2-propanediol

Here, we report a flow chemistry approach for kinetic resolution of (±)-1,2-propanediol protected by trityl group using the packed-bed reactor filled with different immobilized enzymes. It was investigated the performance of 16 immobilized lipases, including commercial Lipozyme TL, Novozym 51032, Novozym 435 (N435) and lipases immobilized by our group. Based on the values of conversion and enantioseletivity, batch experiments were then translated to the continuous-flow environment. Continuous flow (CF) reactors allowed reaction time reduction, from 6 h in batch to 7 min, keeping the values of conversion (up to 50%) and selectivity (E value >200) during the reaction procedure using the commercial enzyme Novozym 435. In addition, continuous flow conditions increased the productivity of kinetic resolution 3 times when compared to conventional batch reactor, after its optimization.