Asymmetric Reduction of α-Methylene Ketones by Using Fermenting Baker’s Yeast. Preparation of Optically Active β-Hydroxy α-Methyl Ketones

Abstract
Asymmetric reduction of 4-hydroxy-3-methylenealkan-2-ones with baker’s yeast afforded (3R,4S)-4-hydroxy-3-methylalkan-2-ones in >98% ee and the (3R,4R) isomers in 67→98% ee in ratios of 1:1–2.