Asymmetric bioreduction of p-haloacetophenones by Mucor

Abstract

A number of p-haloacetophenones were asymmetrically bioreduced to their corresponding (S)-alcohols by Mucor sp. CG10 with good conversion and excellent enantioselectivity. The results showed that the electronic effects of the halogen substituent (X-group) affected the conversion of the substrates and the enantioselectivity of the reaction. The trend observed was as the X-group at the para-position became more electron donating from F, to Cl, Br and I, the conversion of substrates decreased, while the enantioselectivity increased.

Keywords::

• p-haloacetophenones
• chiral alcohols
• Mucor
• whole-cell

Acknowledgements

None.

Declaration of interest: The authors report no declarations of interest. The authors alone are responsible for the content and writing of the paper.

This research was financially supported by Scientific Research & Technology Development Project of Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region (No: 1099061-2).