10.1016/S0957-4166(97)00462-X
The research investigates the asymmetric reduction of various symmetrical diacetylaromatic compounds using baker's yeast (Saccharomyces cerevisiae) to obtain optically active secondary alcohols with high enantiomeric purity. The study explores the reduction of compounds such as 2,6-diacetylpyridine (la), 2,6-diacetylpyridine 1-oxide (lb), 1,2-diacetylb°enzene (lc), 1,3-diacetylbenzene (ld), 1,4-diacetylbenzene (le), 2,5-diacetylfuran (If), 2,5-diacetylthiophene (lg), and 2,5-diacetylpyrrole (lh). The researchers optimized reaction conditions to selectively produce monoalcohols over diols, achieving excellent yields and enantiomeric purities. Key chemicals involved in the research include the diacetylaromatic substrates, baker's yeast, sucrose, and various reagents used in the synthesis and analysis of the compounds, such as methoxymethoxyethyl groups, maleic acid, hydrogen peroxide, oxalyl chloride, dimethyl sulfoxide, and triethylamine. The study highlights the effectiveness of baker's yeast as a biocatalyst for enantioselective reductions under mild conditions, offering a valuable alternative to traditional chemical methods.
