Synthesis of Enantiomerically Enriched 2-Hydroxymethylalkanoic Acids by Oxidative Desymmetrisation of Achiral 1,3-Diols Mediated by Acetobacter aceti

The stereoselective desymmetrisation of achiral 2-alkyl-1,3-diols is performed by oxidation of one of the two enantiotopic primary alcohol moieties by means of Acetobacter aceti MIM 2000/28 to afford the corresponding chiral 2-hydroxymethyl alkanoic acids (up to 94 % ee). The procedure, carried out in aqueous medium under mild conditions of pH, temperature and pressure, contributes to enlarge the portfolio of enzymatic oxidations available to organic chemists for the development of sustainable manufacturing processes.