Synthesis of (E)-α,β-unsaturated carboxylic esters derivatives from cyanoacetic acid via promiscuous enzyme-promoted cascade esterification/Knoevenagel reaction.

A new enzymatic protocol based on lipase-catalyzed cascade toward (E)-α,β-unsaturated carboxylic esters is presented. The proposed methodology consists of elementary organic processes starting from acetals and cyanoacetic acid leading to the formation of desired products in a cascade sequence. The combination of enzyme promiscuous abilities gives a new opportunity to synthesize complex molecules in the one-pot procedure. Results of studies on the influence of an enzyme type, solvent, and temperature on the cascade reaction course are reported. The presented methodology provides meaningful qualities such as significantly simplified process, excellent E-selectivity of obtained products and recycling of a biocatalyst.