Biocatalytic reductions: application in the chemoenzymatic synthesis of pheromones

摘要

Biocatalytic reduction of α-alkyl-1,3-diketones 1, and α-alkyl-β-keto esters employing isolated NADPH-dependent ketoreductases (KREDs) proved to be a highly efficient method for the preparation of optically pure keto-alcohols 2, 1,3-diols 3 or hydroxy esters. These chiral compounds are very important in asymmetric organic synthesis, where they are used as building blocks for the synthesis of polyketides, statins, protease inhibitors, and other important pharmaceuticals. Enzyme-based approaches are being increasingly explored for the synthesis of these classes of compounds.