Chemoenzymatic synthesis2 of both enantiomers of fluoxetine, tomoxetine and nisoxetine: lipase-catalyzed resolution of 3-aryl-3-hydroxypropanenitriles

A facile preparation of (+/-)-3-hydroxy-3-phenylpropanenitrile has been carried out by ring-opening of styrene oxide with NaCN in aqueous ethanol. Subsequent kinetic resolution of this material via lipase-mediated transesterification gave the S-alcohol and R-acetate in excellent yields and high enantioselectivities, particularly with lipase PS-C 'Amano' II. The effect of solvents and immobilization of the lipase has also been investigated. It is interesting to note that the use of immobilized lipase for this transesterification process in hydrophobic solvents (diisopropyl ether, toluene and hexane) enhanced the reaction rate drastically and gave optimal yields with high enantioselectivity (>99%). Moreover, enantiopure 3-hydroxy-3-phenylpropanenitrile products have been converted via enantioconvergent routes into the (R)- and (S)-enantiomers of the important anti-depressants fluoxetine, tomoxetine, nisoxetine and norfluoxetine. (C) 2002 Elsevier Science Ltd. All rights reserved.