Highly regioselective synthesis of 3'-O-acyl-trifluridines catalyzed by Pseudomonas cepacia lipase.

3'-O-Acyl-trifluridines were prepared successfully through an enzymatic approach for the first time. Among the ten commercially available lipases tested, Pseudomonas cepacia lipase displayed the highest regioselectivity towards the acylation of 3'-hydroxyl of trifluridine. Furthermore, the effects of some crucial factors on the enzymatic myristoylation of trifluridine were examined. The optimal reaction medium, molar ratio of trifluridine to vinyl myristate and reaction temperature were found to be anhydrous THF, 1:7 and 50 °C, under which the reaction rate, substrate conversion, and 3'-regioselectivity were 63.9 mM/h, >99.0%, and 99%, respectively. Additionally, the enzyme recognition of the chain length of the acyl donors was investigated. The results showed that 3'-regioselectivity of the enzyme maintained 99% with the increment of acyl chain length (C6, C10, and C14). The reason might derive from the strong hydrophobic interaction between 5-CF(3) group of the base moiety and Leu 287 located in the medium-sized pocket of the active site.