High yield synthesis of d-phenylglycine and its derivatives by nitrilase mediated dynamic kinetic resolution in aqueous-1-octanol biphasic system

A strategy of nitrilase mediated dynamic kinetic resolution toward the synthesis of d-phenylglycine was developed, using aqueous-1-octanol biphasic system. Due to the efficient suppression of the decomposition of phenylglycinonitrile, a maximum yield of 81% is obtained. This result indicates that the nitrilase mediated dynamic kinetic resolution is a promising method toward the synthesis of d-phenylglycine and its derivatives.