Enantioselective Reduction of 2-Ketoalkanephosphonate by Baker's Yeast

Bioreduction of 2-oxo-3-halo (or azido) alkanephosphonates and 4-ethoxy-4,2-dioxobutanephosphonates by baker's yeast afforded 3-substituted 2-hydroxyalkanephosphonates in moderate to good yields and ee value. Moreover, a regio- and stereoselective bioreduction of 2,3-dioxoalkanephosphonates and 2,4-dioxoalkanephosphonates by baker's yeast was studied also. The resulting chiral hydroxy compounds can be used as chirons for the stereoselective synthesis of biologically active molecules.