Bioreduction of α-haloacetophenones by Rhodotorula glutinis andGeotrichum candidum

Abstract

Enantioselective reductions with enantiocomplementarity of α-haloacetophenones by Rhodotorula glutinis CCT 2182 and Geotrichum candidum CCT 1205 afforded the corresponding (R)- and (S)-halohydrins (halo = Cl, Br and I), respectively, in high chemical yields (89-99%) and enantiomeric excesses (92-99%). These halohydrins are potential chiral building blocks for the stereoselective syntheses of valuable compounds.