METHOD FOR OPTICAL RESOLUTION OF (R,S)-1,2-PHENYLETHANEDIOL USING ENZYMES

摘要

There is disclosed a method for optical resolution of 1,2-phenylethanediol, comprising the reaction of a racemic mixture of (R,S)-1,2-phenylethanediol, represented by formula (I), with an acetyl donor in the presence of an enzyme, to produce optically active diesters, whereby the racemic mixture can be separated into respective optical isomers within a short time. The method is also very advantageous in that it is carried out under mild conditions while producing enantiomers of 1,2-phenylethanediol in high optical purity. In addition, the post-reaction treatment is very simple.