Preparative bioorganic chemistry; XIV. Preparation of (2S,3S)-1-phenylthio-2,3-pentanediol and (2S,3S)-1-phenylsulfonyl-2,3-pentanediol by yeast reduction of the corresponding diketones, and conversion of the former to (+)-endo-brevicomin

Article abstract of DOI:10.1055/s-1991-26502

(2S,3S)-1-Phenylthio-2,3-pentanediol (2) and (2S,3S)-1-phenylsulfonyl-2,3-pentanediol (16) were prepared by reducing the corresponding diketones, 6 and 15, with baker's yeast. Conversion of 2 to (3S,4R)-8-nonene-3,4-diol (13), the key intermediate for the