One-Pot Transformation of Ketoximes into Optically Active Alcohols and Amines by Sequential Action of Laccases and Ketoreductases or ω-Transaminases

Abstract

An enzymatic one‐pot process for asymmetric transformation of prochiral ketoximes into alcohols or amines was developed by sequential coupling of a laccase‐catalyzed deoximation either with a ketone reduction (ketoreductase, KRED) or bioamination (ω‐transaminase, ω‐TA) in aqueous medium. An accurate selection of biocatalysts provided the corresponding products in excellent enantiomeric excesses and overall conversions ranging from 83 to >99 % for alcohols and 70 to >99 % for amines. Likewise, the employment of exclusively 1 % (w/w) of Cremophor®, a polyethoxylated castor oil, as co‐solvent enabled to reach concentrations up to 100 mM in the chiral alcohols cascade.