Direct asymmetric aldol reactions catalyzed by lipase from porcine pancreas.

Porcine pancreas lipase type II (PPL II) exhibited unnatural catalytic activity in direct asymmetric aldol reactions between cyclic ketones and aromatic or heteroaromatic aldehydes in acetonitrile in the presence of phosphate buffer. A wide range of substrates was accepted by the enzyme to afford the corresponding aldol products in low to high yields (10-98%), with moderate to excellent enantioselectivities (53-94% ee, for anti-isomers) and low to moderate diastereoselectivities (48/52-87/13 dr, anti/syn). This methodology expands the application of PPL II, and it might be developed into a potentially valuable method for sustainable organic synthesis.