Asymmetric monohydrolysis of a series of norbornanederivatives by a thermophilic esterase/lipase library was examined. Three esterases/lipases showed high enantioselectivities toward dialkyl bicyclo[2.2.1]hepta-2,5-diene-2,3-dicarboxylates with high chemical yields.
6-epoxybicyclo[2.2.1]hept-2-ene-2,3-dicarboxylates yield 6-formyl-1-alkoxycarbonylbicyclo[3.1.0]hex-2-ene-2-carboxylic acids in a racemic manner in high yields in only two steps, providing additional support for the mechanisms of the semi-two-phase monohydrolysis and the rearrangement.