A practical chemoenzymatic synthesis of an LTD₄ antagonist

Enzymatic asymmetrization of a prochiral diester having 4 bonds between the ester group and prochiral center is the cornerstone of a short and efficient synthesis of an LTD4 antagonist. The enzymatic hydrolysis occurs in a heterogeneous slurry, but a kinetic analysis shows that the reaction takes place in solution. Product inhibition of the enzyme is severe, requiring that a substantial amount of enzyme be used relative to substrate. To more efficiently use the expensive enzyme, it was immobilized on several supports, the most effective of which was XAD 7 with crosslinked enzyme.