摘要 |
<p>Compounds of general formula (I) or (II), wherein R is an optionally substituted alkyl group with 3-23 carbon atoms, and R1 is hydrogen or an optionally substituted branched or straight-chain, saturated or unsaturated, aliphatic or aromatic hydrocarbon group, are prepared by reacting a compound of the general formula (III): RCOOR2, wherein R2 is H or an alkyl group with 1-6 carbon atoms, and R is as defined above, with a compound of general formula (IV), wherein R1 is as defined above, in the presence of an enzyme capable of catalysing the formation of amide bonds, in particular a lipase. The amide group may be removed from the compound (I) by means of a second enzyme capable of selectively cleaving amide bonds, e.g. a carboxypeptidase, resulting in the compound (II).</p> |