Preparation of chiral δ-lactones via enantiotopically specific pig liver esterase-catalysed hydrolyses of 3-substituted glutaric acid diesters

Abstract

Pig liver esterase-catalysed hydrolyses of 3-monosubstituted glutaric acid diesters are pro-S enantiotopically specific for a broad range of C-3 substituents and permit either enantiomer of the corresponding 3-substituted valerolac- tones of 100% e.e. to be readily prepared.