Asymmetric reduction of acetophenone derivatives by<i>Lens culinaris</i>

Abstract

The enzymatic reduction of acetophenone derivatives has been evaluated using whole cells from the edible plant lentil (Lens culinaris) as biocatalyst to afford chiral (R) and (S)-alcohols in enantiomeric excess 68–99%. Acetophenone was selected as the model substrate for enantioselective bioreduction. The reaction was performed under a range of conditions in order to optimize the bioreduction procedure with respect to reaction time, media and optimal mass of lentil. With substituted (fluorine, chlorine, bromine, methyl, hydroxyl, methoxy, amino and nitro groups) acetophenones, electronic and steric influences on the course of the reaction were observed.