Formation of optically active alpha or gamma-phenylcyclohexanone oxime
s (2a and 2b, c) and their esters (1a and 3b, c) by lipase mediated tr
ansesterification of the corresponding racemic esters is described. Fu
rthermore, 2(S)-phenyl and 2,2-dimethyl-4(R)-phenylcyclohexanones (4 a
nd 5) were prepared without any racemization by treatment with dimethy
ldioxirane in acetone or sodium hydrogen sulfite in refluxing aqueous
ethanol.