Control of enantioselectivity in the baker's yeast asymmetric reduction of γ-chloro β-diketones to γ-chloro (S)-β-hydroxy ketones

1-Chloro-2,4-alkanediones 1a-f prepared in one step were reduced using baker's yeast to afford 1-chloro-2-hydroxy-4-alkanones 2a-f regioselectively in S 29% to R 58% ee. Use of a small amount of organic solvents to dissolve the substrate enhanced the enantiomeric excess in favor of the S configuration. The function of the organic solvents was studied with reducing enzymes isolated from baker's yeast. Some polar solvents selectively inhibited the enzymes, while nonpolar solvents enhanced the concentration of substrate in water. Application of inhibitors with heat-treatment and organic solvents as additives enhanced the enantiomeric excesses of the products to S 66-96% ee. (C) 1998 Elsevier Science Ltd. All rights reserved.