Candida Rugosa lipase-catalyzed kinetic resolution of β-hydroxy-β-arylpropionates and δ-hydroxy-δ-aryl-β-oxo-pentanoates

A simple and convenient method was reported for the preparation of optically active β-hydroxy-β-arylpropionates, δ-hydroxy-δ-aryl-β-oxo-pentanoates and their butyryl derivatives via CRL-catalyzed hydrolysis. The optically active products are potential precursors of some chiral pharmaceuticals and natural products.