Enatioselective Microbial Reduction of Monoesters of 1,3-Dihydroxypropanone: Synthesis of (S)- and (R)-1,2-O-Isopropylideneglycerol

Article abstract of DOI:10.1055/s-1989-27211

The reduction of 3-benzoyloxy-1-hydroxypropanone with bakers' yeast proceeds enantioselectively to afford (S)-3-benzoyloxy-1,2-propanediol, which may be further converted into (S)-(benzoyloxymethyl)oxirane.The bioreduction with fermenting yeast of 1-acetoxy-3-benzyloxypropanones gives (R)-1-benzyloxy-3-acetoxy-2-propanol which can be used for the preparation of both (S)- and (R)-1,2-O-isopropylideneglycerol.