Enzymatic resolution of bicyclic 1-heteroarylamines using Candida antarctica lipase B

Candida antarctica lipase B has been used to kinetically resolve a structurally diverse series of bicyclic 1-heteroaryl primary amines by enantioselective acetylation. High yields of either enantiomer could be obtained with excellent enantioselectivity (90-99% ee), while the undesired enantiomer could, in some cases, be recycled by thermal racemization. The absolute stereochemistry of the products was confirmed by an X-ray crystal structure.