Efficient enzymatic kinetic resolution of 4-hydroxytetralone and 3-hydroxyindanone

Both enantiomers of 4-acetoxy- and 4-hydroxytetralone have been obtained with high enantiomeric purity by kinetic resolution using enzymes. 3-Hydroxyindanone was successfully resolved using enzymatic transesterification. The absolute configuration of the products were established by literature precedence. (C) 2001 Published by Elsevier Science Ltd.