Microwave-assisted solvent-free lipase catalyzed transesterification of β-ketoesters

Lipase-catalyzed transesterification was used as an efficient tool for the interconversion of β-ketoesters. Catalytic activity of commercial lipase B from Candida antarctica (Novozym 435) was evaluated in systems involving non activated acyl donors, and enhanced using microwave irradiation. Interestingly, the combination of CAL B in microwave irradiation worked excellent in solvent-free conditions, thus assuring a highly competitive and environment-friendly process with high yields (up to 96%) in competitive times (< 2h). The combination of biocatalysis with solvent-free systems and microwave assistance is currently scarcely used, and may represent a powerful synergy for preparative reactions.