Biocatalytic synthesis of (S)-Practolol, a selective β-blocker

Abstract The present study describes an efficient chemoenzymatic synthesis of enantiopure (S)-Practolol, a selective β-adrenergic receptor blocker. Prior to the synthesis of the target, a synthetic protocol for (RS)-N-4-(3-chloro-2-hydroxypropoxy)phenylacetamide, an essential precursor, was developed. Various commercial lipases were screened for the kinetic resolution of (RS)- N-4-(3-chloro-2-hydroxypropoxy)phenylacetamide using toluene as solvent and vinyl acetate as an acyl donor. Among various lipases screened, Pseudomonas cepacia sol-gel AK showed the highest enantioselectivity (96% enantiomeric excess with 50% conversion), affording (S)-1-(4-acetamidophenoxy)-3-chloropropan-2-yl acetate. Optimization of the reaction parameters was carried out in order to find the best-suited conditions for the biocatalysis. Furthermore, the enantiopure intermediate was hydrolyzed and the resulting product was reacted with isopropylamine to afford (S)-Practolol. This biocatalytic procedure depicts a green technology for the synthesis of (S)-Practolol with better yield and enantiomeric excess.