Synthesis of Optically Active 1-Phenyl-1, 2-propanediol by Use of Baker's Yeast

Abstract

Reduction of 1-phenyl-1, 2-propanedione with baker's yeast afforded (1R, 2S)-1-phenyl-1, 2-propanediol in high chemical and optical yield. (1R, 2S)-, (1R, 2R)- and (1S, 2S)-1, 2-propanediols were also prepared via (1R)- or (2S)-α-ketols, which were obtained as intermediates of the above reaction.