| Abstract: | The conditions necessary to reduce stereoselectively aliphatic beta-ketoesters by G. candidum have been investigated. Ageing of the mycelium allowed a practical preparation of optically pure (R)-ethyl 3-hydroxybutanoate, as a result of stereoselective reduction, enantioselective metabolism and stereoisomer interconversion. The stereoconversion of 3S-hydroxybutanoate into the 3R-enantiomer via 3-oxoester formation has been demonstrated to be a determining factor in the building of the optical purity of the resulting product. Enantioselective preparations of higher homologous 3R-hydroxyesters are described. |
