Stereoselective synthesis of aryl γ,δ-unsaturated β-hydroxyesters by ketoreductases

The biocatalytic reduction of aryl γ,δ-unsaturated-β-ketoesters was evaluated utilizing 24 different commercially available ketoreductases. In all cases, both (R) and (S)-enantiomers of γ,δ-unsaturated β-hydroxyesters were synthesized by one or more ketoreductases in excellent optical purity and yields.