Baker's Yeast-mediated Synthesis of Protected α-Hydroxy-aldehydes

Article abstract of DOI:10.1039/c39860000138

Several 3-substituted 2-hydroxy-1,1-bis-p-tolylthiopropanes, which are precursors of protected α-hydroxy-aldehydes, have been readily prepared in high optical purity via acylation of lithium bis-p-tolylthiomethanide and subsequent baker's yeast reduction of the resulting ketones.