Synthesis of optically active α-phenylpyridylmethanols by Camellia sinensis cell culture

(S)-(+)-α-phenyl-2-pyridylmethanol has analgetic and anticonvul sant activities; however, effective asymmetric synthesis by chemical or biological means has not been reported. We developed a method for producing (S)-(+)-α-phenyl-2-pyridylmethanol in 83% chemical yield with 86% optical yield by the repetitive use of immobilized Camellia sinensis cell culture. The C. sinensis cell culture showed similar capability for asymmetric bioreduction to that of Catharanthus roseus cell culture.