Application of Yeast-Catalyzed Reductions to Synthesis of (2R,3S)-Phenylisoserine

Article abstract of DOI:10.1016/S0040-4039(00)76640-8

A simple synthesis of (2R,3S)-phenylisoserine, a precursor of the C-13 side chain of Taxol (paclitaxel), utilising yeast-catalyzed reduction to generate a second chiral centre is reported.This short enantioselective series of transformations can be readily adapted to large scale production of a variety of N-substituted paclitaxel analogues.