Preparation of (-)-(1R, 2S)-1-Phenylpropane-1,2-Diol by Fermenting Baker's Yeast Reduction of 1-Phenyl-1,2-propanedione

Abstract
Baker's yeast fermentation of diketone 1 can give the optically actives alcohols 2 or 3 depending on the procedure used. We describe the preparation of the diol 3 in 67–88% chemical yield.