CHEMOENZYMATIC TRANSFORMATIONS OF SENSITIVE SYSTEMS - PREPARATION OF DIGOXIGENIN HAPTENS VIA REGIOSELECTIVE LIPASE-MEDIATED HYDROLYSIS

We investigated the use of lipase for the preparation of a series of digoxigenin haptens containing a 3-position carboxylic acid functionality. While synthesis of the required ester derivatives was straightforward, enzymatic transformation of the terminal esters to the corresponding acids was regioselective, but shown to be dependent on the length of the linking arm. This transformation was achieved while preserving other sensitive functionality.