A PROCESS FOR THE PREPARATION OF R AND S-2,2-R1,R2-1,3-DIOXOLANE-4-METHANOL

摘要

Process for the preparation of R-2,2-R1, R2-1,3-dioxolane-4-methanol wherein R1 and R2 are H or alkyl groups or wherein R1 and R2 together with the carbon atom to which they are attached form a carbocyclic ring by subjecting a mixture of R- and S-2,2-R1, R2-1,3-dioxolane-4-methanol to the action of a micro-organism or substances derived therefrom having the ability for stereoselective consumption of S-2,2-R1, R2-1,3-dioxolane-4-methanol preferably until at least 80 wt% and more preferably all the S-2,2-R1, R2-1,3-dioxolane-4-methanol is consumed. Various micro-organisms of the genus Rhodococcus, Nocardia and Corynebacterium are disclosed as suitable for the purpose. The R-isomer is a valuable intermediate for stereospecific synthesis of various biologically active compounds including S-metoprolol.