The stereoselective preparation of β-hydroxy esters using a yeast reduction in an organic solvent

Article abstract of DOI:10.1016/S0957-4166(97)00050-5

A range of (S)-β-hydroxy esters has been prepared in high yield (56-96%) and with very high enantioselectivity (>94%) using a yeast mediated reduction in light petroleum. It was found that the ester functionality had a marked effect on both the isolated yield and the quantity of yeast required to effect complete reduction.