Microbial transformation of 2-hydroxy and 2-acetoxy ketones with Geotrichum sp. Original Research Article

Biotransformation of a series of o-, m- and p-substituted α-hydroxy- and α-acetoxyphenylethanones and with Geotrichum sp. led to the corresponding 1,2-diols 2 and/or monoacetates 10 in moderate to excellent enantiomeric excesses. α-Hydroxy- and α-acetoxyphenylethanones and their m- and p-derivatives gave preponderantly the S-configuration products while in the case of the o-derivatives R-alcohol was provided as the major enantiomer. The results of stereoselectivity were discussed.