The stereoisomers of 1α,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3 A-ring synthon 3a, named 3b−d, were subjected
to a very comprehensive regioselective enzymatic study with Candida antarctica lipase (CAL). From
this, it emerged that 3b, the enantiomer of the natural A-ring synthon, was a very good substrate
for CAL in toluene, dioxane, or THF, showing in all cases conversions close to 100% and
regioselectivities between 95% and 99% toward the C-5-(S) hydroxyl group. The best results for
the regioselective enzymatic transformation of stereoisomer 3c were achieved with toluene at 30
°C or with THF at 60 °C. The regioselectivity displayed a preference toward the C-5-(S) hydroxyl
group. The 1:10 ratio (3c:4) was mandatory so as to obtain an acceptable degree of conversion (in
dioxane or THF). The A-ring synthon 3d has a surprising conduct, suffering C-5-(R) enzymatic
alkoxycarbonylation, whereas in the acylation process with Chromobacterium viscosum lipase, it
showed behavior opposite to that observed for 3a−c. In addition to the above, an efficient
chemoenzymatic synthesis of A-ring synthon carbamate derivatives 15a,c−17a,c, including
carbazates 15b−17b, and polyamino carbamates 15d−17d was accomplished by a two-step strategy,
involving the regioselective enzymatic synthesis of carbonates 5, 7, and 10, followed by reaction
with (poly)amino derivatives 14.