Lipase-Catalyzed Synthesis of Anthrone Functionalized Benzylic Amines via a Multicomponent Reaction in Supercritical Carbon Dioxide

In this study, supercritical carbon dioxide (ScCO2), which is a sustainable and green solvent, was used as a reaction medium in the lipase-catalyzed synthesis of anthrone-functionalized benzylic amines for the first time. We synthesized the target compounds via a lipase-catalyzed multicomponent cascade reaction of aldehydes, sulfonamides, and anthrones in ScCO2. The reaction can be accomplished in good-to-excellent yields (77 %-95 %) and can exhibit good functional group tolerance. In brief, the reaction was characterized by step economy, metal-free conditions, environmentally friendly solvents, and biocatalysts.