Desymmetrization of meso-hydrobenzoin via stereoselective enzymatic esterification

Article abstract of DOI:10.1016/S0957-4166(00)86185-6

Desymmetrization of meso-hydrobenzion by irreversible acyl transfer using vinyl acetate as the acyl donor in the presence of Rhizopus javanicus lipase or Candida cylindracea lipase enables the preparation of (R)-1-acetoxy-(S)- 2-hydroxy-1,2-diphenylethane and (S)-1-acetoxy-(R)-2-hydroxy-1,2- diphenylethane respectively in excellent optical purity.