Enzyme catalyzed hydroxymethylation of aromatic aldehydes with formaldehyde. Synthesis of hydroxyacetophenones and (S)-benzoins

Benzaldehyde lyase from the Pseudomonas Fluorescens catalyzed reaction of aromatic aldehydes with formaldehyde providing 2-hydroxy-1-arylethan-1-one in high yields via an acyloin linkage. Kinetic resolution of rac-benzoins with formaldehyde providing (S)-benzoins and 2-hydroxy-1-arylethan-1-one via C–C bond cleavage and a bond formation reaction.