Biocatalytic deracemisation of α-hydroxy esters: High yield preparation of (S)-ethyl 2-hydroxy-4-phenylbutanoate from the racemate

Biocatalytic deracemisaton of the racemic ethyl ester of 2-hydroxy-4-phenylbutanoic acid gives the (S)-enantiomer exclusively in >99% e.e. and 85-90% yield. Ethyl and methyl esters of mandelic acid and the methyl ester of 2-hydroxy-4-phenylbutanoic acid also gave the (S)-enantiomer exclusively. Whole cells of Candida parapsilosis (ATCC 7330) were used to effect this biotansformation. © 2002 Published by Elsevier Science Ltd.