Highly diastereoselective synthesis of 2-substituted-1,3-diols catalyzed by ketoreductases

Stereoselective ketoreductase-catalyzed reductions of α-substituted-β-hydroxy ketones are described. The stereoisomeric syn or anti 2-substituted-1,3-diols were prepared in high optical purities (>99% de, >99% ee) and high yields. This is a simple and highly stereoselective method for the synthesis of different diastereomers of chiral diols.