Patent ID: 6103517
Filing Date: 2000-08-15
Classification: C12P

Abstract:
A process for the production of an optically active alcohol having an optical purity of 90% ee or more from a racemic alcohol of the formula (2), which comprises carrying out the optical resolution of the racemic alcohol,CH.sub.3 CH(OH)(CH.sub.2).sub.m OC.sub.n H.sub.2n+1 ( 2)wherein m is an integer of 3 to 5 and n is an integer of 1 to 3,into an R-configuration compound and an S-configuration compound by the asymmetric trans-esterification thereof in the presence of vinyl propionate as an esterifying agent and a lipase as a catalyst, wherein the lipase catalyst is derived from Candida antarcia and is used in an amount of 0.1 to 10 g per mole of the racemic alcohol and the trans-esterification is carried out at a temperature between 20.degree. C. and 40.degree. C.