Efficient kinetic resolution of (±)-4-methyl-Hajos-Parrish ketone by baker's yeast reduction

Kinetic resolution of (+/-)-4-methyl-Hajos-Parrish ketone (+/-)-2a using baker's yeast reduction was investigated. The reaction rate and enantiomeric purity depended on the concentration of substrate and yeast. Under concentrated conditions, (-)-2a and the alcohol (+)-3 were obtained in high enantiomeric excess. (C) 2000 Elsevier Science Ltd. All rights reserved.