Enantioselective synthesis of cyclohexenone derivatives by a chemicoenzymatic approach: stereo- and regioselective route to potential intermediates of compactin (ML 236B) and mevinolin

As a synthetic application of the chiral monoester 2, prepared by pig liver esterase (PLE)-catalyzed hydrolysis of the corresponding meso diester 1, conversion of 2 into various cyclohexenone derivatives was examined. This paper describes the preparation of the isomeric cyclohexenones 6 and 7, potential intermediates for the synthesis of anti-hypercholesmic compactin (ML 236B) and mevinolin, under stereo- and regioselective control.