| abstract |
The invention relates to a process for the preparation of 3α-hydroxyprostacyclin intermediates of the formula (+) - I wherein A the radicals -CH₂- or> CH-COOR, B oxygen or the 2-bonded radical -OXO- with X as straight-chain or branched-chain alkylene with 1 - 7 C atoms and R is a straight-chain or branched-chain alkyl group with 1-6 C atoms or benzyl, characterized in that a racemic bicyclooctanedione of the formula (±) - II wherein A, B and R have the meaning given above, treated with Rhizopus, Rhodotorula or Candida strains and, in the event that the strain used reduces the (-) form from the racemate (±) - II, a chemical or microbiological reduction of the unchanged bicyclooctanedione of the formula (+) - II. |