N-acylation of ethanolamine using lipase: a chemoselective catalyst

Abstract

The N-acylation of ethanolamine (2) with various fatty acids 1a–d and esters of fatty acids 1e–h using Candida antarctica B lipase (Novozym® 435) are described and optimum conditions for selective N-acylation rather than O-acylation are also discussed. Microwave assisted solution phase, solid supported and conventional methods were investigated and results were compared. There is a synergy between the enzyme catalysis and microwave irradiation.