Synthesis of optically active alkynyl alcohols and α-hydroxy esters by microbial asymmetric hydrolysis of the corresponding acetates

Article abstract of DOI:10.1016/0040-4020(80)85030-7

Asymmetric hydrolysis of the acetates of racemic alkynyl alcohols and α-hydroxy esters by Bacillus subtilis var. Niger afforded optically active acetates and alcohols in 7-90% optical purities. The both enantiomers of optically pure mandelie acid were prepared by this microbial method.