| abstract |
PURPOSE: In the optical resolution of (R,S)-α-cyanobenzyl alcohol, an esterase originating from a microorganism is allowed to act on the compound to enable practically advantageous production of (S)-α-cyanobenzyl alcohol. n CONSTITUTION: An esterase that originates from a microorganism and has ability to effect asymmetric hydrolysis of (R,S)-α-cyanobenzyl alcohol is allowed to act on an ester of (R,S)-α-cyanobenzyl alcohol. The esterase originates from Arthrobacter, Alcaligenes or Pseudomonas and the reaction is conducted at a pH of 3.5W6 and 20W50°C. The asymmetric hydrolysis gives α-cyanobenzyl alcohol rich in (S)-isomer of formula II. n COPYRIGHT: (C)1986,JPO&Japio |