The design of omega-amino-alpha-alkoxy-acetate as monomer enables to dramatically speed up the formation of polyamides catalyzed by the supported lipase B of Candida antarctica. Only 30 min are needed to reach 93% conversion whereas 240 h are necessary to observe the same level of conversion with a monomer devoided of an oxygen atom in position beta relative to the electrophilic carbonyl group. Yields, Mn, Mw, DPn and PDI reach very good values for an enzymatic synthesis of polyamides. (C) 2013 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.