Abstract
By selected microorganisms (±) - cyclic terpenealcohols (menthols, carvomenthols, isopulegols, carveols and borneols) were resolved via asymmetric hydrolysis of the corresponding acetates and chloroacetates at the high concentrations (110 %) of racemic substrates. Generally, the acetates of (1 R) -2, 5- disubstituted 1- cyclohexanols were hydrolyzed faster than those of their enantiomeric (1 S) - alcohols. On the contrary, the acetates of (1 S) -sec- acyclic alcohols faster than those of their enantiomeric (1 R) - alcohols. Optical purities of separated alcohols were changed by microorganisms used and hydrolysis ratios. This microbial resolution was used effectively for syntheses of chiral building blocks for optically active carotenoids and cycloheximide antibiotic.
