Yeast-mediated synthesis of optically active diols with C-2-symmetry and (R)-4-pentanolide

Reduction of some diketones and a ketoacid with yeast, Pichia farinosa IAM 4682 was examined. The reduction of carbonyl groups proceeded highly selectively with an anti-Prelog fashion to give (R)-alcohols. (2R,5R)-2,5-Hexanediol (83% yd., >99% e.e., 95% d.e.), (2R,4R)-2,4-pentanediol (94% yd., >99% e.e., 98% d.e.), and (R)-4-pentanolide (67% yd., >99% e.e.) were highly efficiently obtained from the corresponding ketones. Effect of the structure of substrate on the stereochemical course as well as the selectivity were discussed. Copyright (C) 1996 Elsevier Science Ltd