Patent ID: 7022503

Claim:
A process for the stereoselective preparation of an 2,3-dihydroxy carboxylic acid and a derivative thereof, comprising hydrolyzing a 2,3-epoxycarboxylic acid or a derivative thereof in the in the presence of a polypeptide having epoxide hydrolase activity, wherein the 2,3-epoxycarboxylic acid or derivative has a formula (I) wherein independently of each other R 1 represents a cyano substituent and R 2 represents hydrogen, straight-chain or branched, cyclic or acyclic C 1 –C 12 -alkyl, unsubstituted or substituted aryl and R 3 represents hydrogen, straight-chain C 1 –C 12 -alkyl, or R 2 R 3 C represents a carbocycle or a heterocycle.