Chemoenzymatic synthesis of (R)- and (S)-1-heteroarylethanols

Article abstract of DOI:10.1016/j.tetasy.2008.08.023

A chemoenzymatic methodology for the synthesis of highly enantiomerically enriched (S)- and (R)-1-heteroarylethanols by enantioselective bioreduction with baker's yeast of the corresponding 1-heteroarylethanones followed by three racemization free chemical steps including a Mitsunobu reaction was developed.