Hybrid synthesis of AMFC-derived amides using supported gold nanoparticles and acyl-coenzyme A ligases

By integrating different types of catalysts in the same system, hybrid catalysis emerges as an attractive and competitive approach. Within the framework of valorizing sustainably sourced bio-based products, we herein present a synthetic method for producing amides from alcohols and the bio-sourced 5-aminomethyl-2-furancarboxylic acid (AMFC). This approach utilizes supported gold metal nanoparticles as heterogeneous chemocatalysts, in conjunction with an acyl-coenzyme A ligase (ACL). By combining the actions of these catalysts, aliphatic mono- and di-alcohols are converted to the corresponding AMFC-derived amides with yields of up to 65% in aqueous buffer at 60 °C. This process requires only the addition of the enzyme and associated reactants in the same vessel for the second step in an one-pot/two-steps procedure.