Abstract: Mung bean epoxide hydrolase was used for enzymatic preparation of (R)-p-nitrophenyl glycol by enantioconvergent hydrolysis of p-nitrostyrene oxide. Enzyme forms and reaction conditions were examined, and an efficient process and high product yield were obtained for this biocatalyst. Tween-80 was found to be an ideal dispersant. Various immobilized biocatalysts were prepared by different methods, and the biocatalyst adsorbed on diatomite powder showed better stability. Gram-scale preparation was performed, giving a yield of 73.3% and an optical purity higher than 99% ee.

Key words: mung bean, epoxide hydrolase, p-nitrostyrene oxide, enantioconvergent hydrolysis, (R)-p-nitrophenylglycol