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 yea st-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 r egeneration by the reduction product. The inhibition was prevented using re sin that adsorbs the product from the reaction mixture, and 70 g/l substrat e was reduced yielding (S)-1-benzoyloxy-2-propanol at > 99% ee.