Biocatalytic reduction of α-keto amides to (R)-α-hydroxy amides using Candida parapsilosis ATCC 7330

Biocatalytic reduction of primary and secondary α-keto amides was accomplished using whole cells of Candida parapsilosis ATCC 7330. The primary (R)-α-hydroxy amides were obtained in good enantiomeric excess (up to 94%) and conversion (88–99%) as compared to the secondary (R)-α-hydroxy amides.