Stereoselective synthesis of (R)-(−)-denopamine, (R)-(−)-tembamide and (R)-(−)-aegeline via asymmetric reduction of azidoketones by Daucus carota in aqueous medium

A simple and efficient stereoselective synthesis of (R)-denopamine and other naturally occurring hydroxy amides from optically active (R)-2-azido-1-arylethanols, is described for the first time via reduction of the corresponding -azidoarylketones with enzymes from Daucus Carota root, under mild and environmentally friendly conditions. The products are formed with high degrees of enantioselectivity.