Preliminary investigation of the yeast-mediated reduction of β-keto amides derived from cyclic amines as potential resolution methodology

2-Methylpiperidine and 2-cyclohexylpiperidine were converted to their respective β-keto amides by treatment with diketene. Several strains of yeast were used to reduce the racemic β-keto amides. The unreacted enantiomers were separated from the β-hydroxy amides, the amides cleaved, and the extent of resolution was determined for the cyclic amines. Detailed experimental and spectral data are provided for all compounds.