Microbiological transformations 34: Enantioselective hydrolysis of a key-lactone involved in the synthesis of the antidepressant milnacipran

Article abstract of DOI:10.1016/0040-4039(96)00872-6

The enantioselective hydrolysis of a key-lactone allowing for the synthesis of the antidepressant milnacipran is described. Several biocatalysts were screened in order to achieve this biotransformation, the best results being obtained using whole-cells cultures of the fungi Beauveria sulfurescens and Cunninghamella blakesleeana.