(S)-1,2-Alkanediols, which were the opposite configuration to those pr
oduced by baker's yeast-mediated bioreduction of corresponding 1-hydro
xy-2-alkanones, were prepared by baker's yeast-mediated oxidation. Tre
atment Of racemic 1,2-alkanediols with baker's yeast under the aerobic
condition followed by removal of the corresponding 1-hydroxy-2-alkano
nes, which were produced by enantioselective oxidation of (R)-1,2-alka
nediols, afforded (S)-1,2-alkanediols.