Studies on the enzymic resolution of chiral tricarbonyl(benzaldehyde oxime)chromium complexes

Lipases from different sources have been used for the resoln. of tricarbonyl(ortho-substituted benzaldehyde oxime)chromium complexes. The effect of the nature of the solvent on enantioselectivity has been investigated. Thus, title complex (±)-I was subjected to lipase P (Pseudomonas Cepacia) catalyzed transesterification with 1-butanol in tertamyl alc. to give chiral oxime (+)-II and oxime acetate enantiomer (-)-III (53% conversion, 98% e.e.).