Hydrolytic and reductive action of fermenting yeast on a keto acetate: synthesis of (+)-endo-brevicomin
Abstract
The keto acetate 1 in fermenting yeast gives the diol 2 with high enantiomeric excess. The product arises from hydrolysis–reduction and is transformed into (+)-endo-brevicomin. The hydroxy acetate from direct reduction of 1 is racemic.