Practical production of (S)-1,2-propanediol and its derivative through baker's yeast-mediated reduction.

The enantiomeric excess (ee) of (S)-1,2-propanediol produced by baker's yeast-mediated reduction of 1-acetoxy-2-propanone was improved to 96% ee by a fed-batch operation of the substrate. A similar reduction of 1-benzoyloxy-2-propanone stopped because of the inhibition toward the enzymes for NADPH regeneration by the reduction product. The inhibition was prevented using resin that adsorbs the product from the reaction mixture, and 70 g/l substrate was reduced yielding (S)-1-benzoyloxy-2-propanol at > 99% ee.