Demonstration of Redox Potential ofMetschnikowia koreensisfor Stereoinversion of Secondary Alcohols/1,2-Diols

Abstract

The present work reports theMetschnikowia koreensis-catalyzed one-pot deracemization of secondary alcohols/1,2-diols and their derivatives with in vivo cofactor regeneration. Reaction is stereoselective and proceeds with sequential oxidation of (R)-secondary alcohols to the corresponding ketones and the reduction of the ketones to (S)-secondary alcohols. Method is applicable to a repertoire of racemic aryl secondary alcohols and 1,2-diols establishing a wide range of substrate specificity ofM. koreensis. This ecofriendly method afforded the product in high yield (88%) and excellent optical purity (>98%ee), minimizing the requirement of multistep reaction and expensive cofactor.