Kinetic resolution of racemic α-hydroxy ketones by lipase-catalyzed irreversible transesterification

Article abstract of DOI:10.1016/0957-4166(96)00272-8

Asymmetric acetylation of racemic α-hydroxy ketones with isopropenyl acetate catalyzed by lipases afforded the optically active keto alcohols and acetates in high enantiomeric excess (up to 99%); an enzymatic kinetic resolution which may be performed on preparative scale.