Microbial transformation of 2-hydroxy and 2-acetoxy ketones with Geotrichum sp.

Biotransformation of a series of o-, m- and p-substituted alpha-hydroxy- and alpha-acetoxyphenylethanones 1a-h and 9a-g with Geotrichum sp. led to the corresponding 1,2-diols 2 and/or monoacetates 10 in moderate to excellent enantiomeric excesses. Alpha-hydroxy- and alpha-acetoxyphenylethanones and their m- and p-derivatives gave preponderantly the S-configuration products while in the case of the o-derivatives R-alcohol was provided as the major enantiomer. The results of stereoselectivity were discussed.