Lipase-catalyzed preparation of optically active isomers of cyclamen aldehyde

•A chiral primary alcohol was prepared by lipase-catalyzed reaction.•The primary alcohol was converted to the enantiomers of cyclamen aldehyde.•An olfactory evaluation of the isomers was performed.

The optically active isomers of cyclamen aldehyde 1a were synthesized from a chiral intermediate prepared by lipase-catalyzed enantioselective transesterification of a prochiral diol with vinyl acetate. The absolute configuration of the enantiomer of 1a with dextrorotatory in chloroform was determined to be (S)-configuration. The results of an olfactory evaluation of the prepared isomers are also reported.

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