A Multivariable Enzymatic Resolution Laboratory Experiment

This laboratory experiment involves an enzymatic chiral resolution process using lipase. While other enzymatic resolutions have been previously reported, our experiment uses a variety of acyl donors and substrates resulting in a wide range of possible products. The use of unknowns increases students’ individual responsibility and prevents using a partner’s data analysis. Students purify the unreacted alcohol from the newly formed ester using column chromatography. Students determine the identity of their alcohol and the resulting ester with IR, 1H and 13C NMR spectroscopy and they use optical rotation to determine the extent of resolution. In the student lab report, students comment on the purity of the final sample. This experiment was developed for use in a first year foundation laboratory but it would also be suitable for implementation in a sophomore organic chemistry laboratory.