Bile acids: Lipase-catalyzed synthesis of new hyodeoxycholic acid derivatives

In this work we present an efficient, environmentally friendly approach to the synthesis of a series of hyodeoxycholic acid derivatives applying Biocatalysis. Fifteen acetyl and ester derivatives, twelve of them new, were obtained through an enzymatic strategy in a fully regioselective way and in very good to excellent yield. In order to find the optimal reaction conditions, the influence of several parameters such as enzyme source, alcohol or acylating agent:substrate ratio, enzyme:substrate ratio, temperature and reaction solvent was considered. The excellent results obtained made this procedure very efficient, particularly considering the low amount of enzyme required. In addition, this methodology uses mild reaction conditions and has reduced environmental impact, making biocatalysis a suitable way to obtaining these bile acids derivatives.