Asymmetric reduction of nitroalkenes with baker's yeast

Various alpha,beta -disubstituted and trisubstituted nitroalkenes were chemoselectively reduced with baker's yeast to the corresponding nitroalkanes. Stereoselectivities of the reduction of alpha,beta -disubstituted nitroalkenes were modest to low, and e.e.s up to 52% were obtained. Trisubstituted nitroalkenes could be reduced to the corresponding nitroalkanes with excellent enantioselectivities, moderate diastereoselectivities and in good yield. (C) 2001 Elsevier Science Ltd. All rights reserved.