Biocatalytic and chemocatalytic approaches to the highly stereoselective 1,2-reduction of an α,β-unsaturated ketone

Two methods are reported for synthesizing a chiral allylic alcohol from the corresponding racemic α,β-unsaturated ketone. Transition metal-based transfer hydrogenation provides the desired allylic alcohol in high enantiomeric purity but low diastereomeric excess. In contrast, an enzymatic dynamic kinetic reduction proceeds with high diastereoselectivity and enantioselectivity.

Transition metal-based transfer hydrogenation provides the allylic alcohol in high enantiomeric purity but low diastereomeric excess. In contrast, an enzymatic dynamic kinetic reduction proceeds with high diastereoselectivity and enantioselectivity.Figure optionsDownload as PowerPoint slide