Biotransformations with Rhizopus arrhizus and Geotrichum candidum for the preparation of (S)-atenolol and (S)-propranolol

(+/-)-Atenoiol/(+/-)-propranolol and their acetates were incubated with the fungus Rhizopus arrhizus and Geotrichum candidum separately for different time intervals to afford (S)-atenolol/(S)-propranolol in good optical yield. The time and pH for this biotransformation was optimised. The present biodegradations using Rhizopus arrhizus and Geotrichum candidum provides a simple and useful method to obtain (S)-atenolol and (S)-propranolol which are active enantiomers of the beta-adrenergic blockers. (C) 2000 Elsevier Science Ltd. All lights reserved.