Asymmetric synthesis of β-hydroxy esters having three consecutive chiral centers with a reductase from bakers' yeast

Abstract

Asymmetric synthesis of methyl 2-alkyl-3-hydroxybutanoate having three consecutive chiral centers with a reductase from bakers' yeast has been investigated. When the enzyme is employed in the reduction of a β-keto ester substituted by a secondary alkyl group at α-position, the reaction affords the corresponding β-hydroxy ester in excellent stereoselectivity.