CATALYTIC ACTION OF L-2-HALO ACID DEHALOGENASE ON LONG-CHAIN L-2-HALOALKANOIC ACIDS IN ORGANIC-SOLVENTS

A Lyophilized preparation of L-2-halo acid dehalogenase was not only stable but also catalytically active in anhydrous dimethyl sulfoxide, toluene, and other organic solvents. 2-Halo acids with long alkyl (C5-C-16) or aromatic (phenyl and benzyl) side chains were inert in water but dehalogenated effectively in anhydrous dimethyl sulfoxide by the lyophilized enzyme. Long-chain 2-haloalkanoic acids such as 2-bromohexadecanoic acid were better as substrates than short-chain halo acids (e.g., 2-chloropropanoic acid). The dehalogenation proceeded with inversion of C2 configuration to produce the corresponding (2R)-2-hydroxy acids in anhydrous dimethyl sulfoxide in the same way as found in water.