PRODUCTION OF OPTICALLY ACTIVE GLYCOL

摘要

PURPOSE:To obtain an optically active glycol easily, by treating a racemic ester with a specific enzyme having stereoselective esterase activity, thereby effecting the asymmetric hydrolysis of the ester. CONSTITUTION:The racemic ester of formula I (R1 is 1-16C aliphatic hydrocarbon group; R2 is 1-8C aliphatic hydrocarbon group; R3 is aromatic hydrocarbon group) is treated with an enzyme having stereoselective esterase activity to effect the asymmetric hydrolysis of said ester to form the optically active alcohol of formula II. The racemic compound of formula I is resolved into the optically active alcohol of formula II and the optically active ester of formula III and each optically active compound can be separated from the mixture. The enzyme may be the one originated from microorganisms or from animal organs.