Enzymatic synthesis of all stereoisomers of 1-phenylpropane-1,2-diol

A stereoselective two-step enzymatic synthesis of all four stereoisomers of 1-phenylpropane-1,2-diol starting from benzaldehyde and acetaldehyde is described. By using one of four possible combinations of a lyase followed by an alcohol dehydrogenase, each diol is accessible separately. (C) 2002 Published by Elsevier Science Ltd.