Preparation of enantiopure ketones and alcohols containing a quaternary stereocenter through parallel kinetic resolution of beta-keto nitriles.
Racemic 1-methyl-2-oxocycloalkanecarbonitriles have been subjected to bioreduction by the fungus Mortierella isabellina NRRL 1757 through a parallel kinetic-resolution process. The u and l alcohols thus obtained (up to >99% ee) were easily separated and oxidized to the R and S ketones, respectively. The process can be then repeated so that both enantiomers of the ketone and two epimers of the alcohol can be obtained in their enantiopure forms.
Dehli
Juan R
JR
Departamento de Química Orgánica e Inorgánica, Universidad de Oviedo, c/ Julián Clavería, 8. 33006 Oviedo, Spain.
Gotor
Vicente
V