Abstract: A process is provided for the preparation of a compound of formula (1) wherein R and R? represent optionally substituted hydrocarbyl groups and X represents a hydrocarbyl linking group. The process comprises either the stereoselective reduction of the keto group in a dihydroxy keto precursor followed by selective esterification of a primary hydroxy, or selective esterification of a primary hydroxy of a dihydroxy keto precursor followed by stereoselective reduction of the keto group.

Abstract: A process is provided for the preparation of a compound of formula (1) wherein R and R? represent optionally substituted hydrocarbyl groups and X represents a hydrocarbyl linking group. The process comprises either the stereoselective reduction of the keto group in a dihydroxy keto precursor followed by selective esterification of a primary hydroxy, or selective esterification of a primary hydroxy of a dihydroxy keto precursor followed by stereoselective reduction of the keto group.

Abstract: A process is provided for the preparation of a compound of formula (1) wherein R and R? represent optionally substituted hydrocarbyl groups and X represents a hydrocarbyl linking group. The process comprises either the stereoselective reduction of the keto group in a dihydroxy keto precursor followed by selective esterification of a primary hydroxy, or selective esterification of a primary hydroxy of a dihydroxy keto precursor followed by stereoselective reduction of the keto group.

Abstract: A process is provided for the preparation of a compound of formula (1) wherein R and R? represent optionally substituted hydrocarbyl groups and X represents a hydrocarbyl linking group. The process comprises either the stereoselective reduction of the keto group in a dihydroxy keto precursor followed by selective esterification of a primary hydroxy, or selective esterification of a primary hydroxy of a dihydroxy keto precursor followed by stereoselective reduction of the keto group.

Abstract: Optically active 2-substituted tetrahydropyran-4-ols or esters thereof may be prepared using esterases or hydrolases from the corresponding racemic mixtures of esters or alcohols. This provides a route to the corresponding optically active ketones. The racemic mixtures are preferably in the cis-form. such mixtures may be produced by reacting but-3-ene-1-ol with an aldehyde in the presence of an acid.

Abstract: A process is provided for the preparation of a compound of formula (1) 1

Abstract: Optically active 2-substituted tetrahydropyran-4-ols or esters thereof may be prepared using esterases or hydrolases from the corresponding racemic mixtures of esters or alcohols. This provides a route to the corresponding optically active ketones.

Abstract: An enzymatic process for preparing amides of Formula I wherein X, E and * have the meanings defined in the specification. Chiral intermediates useful for preparing compound of Formula I and enzymatic processes for preparing such chiral intermediates are also described.

Abstract: Optically active 2-substituted tetrahydropyran-4-ols or esters thereof may be prepared using esterases or hydrolases from the corresponding racemic mixtures of esters or alcohols. This provides a route to the corresponding optically active ketones. The racemic mixtures are preferably in the cis-form. such mixtures may be produced by-reacting but-3-ene-1-ol with an aldehyde in the presence of an acid.

Abstract: A stereoselective method for making compounds of Formula VIII ##STR1## wherein A and * are as defined in the specification. Enzymic processes and intermediates useful for preparing compound of Formula VIII are disclosed.

Abstract: Optically active 2-substituted tetrahydropyran-4-ols or esters thereof may be prepared using esterases or hydrolases from the corresponding racemic mixtures of esters or alcohols. This provides a route to the corresponding optically active ketones.The racemic mixtures are preferably in the cis-form. such mixtures may be produced by reacting but-3-ene-1-ol with an aldehyde in the presence of an acid.

Abstract: Method of preparing an optically active compound of formula, wherein R and R.sup.1 are independently alkyl, alkenyl, alkynyl, alkoxy, alkoxyalkyl, cycloalkyl, aryl, aralkyl, a heterocyclic group or a C.sub.1 -C.sub.4 alkyl-heterocycle, each being optionally substituted, procided that R and R.sup.1 are not identical and * is an optically active chiral center, from the corresponding racemic ester or diol by treating with a hydrolase enzyme.

Abstract: Method of preparing an optically active compound of formula, wherein R and R.sup.1 are independently alkyl, alkenyl, alkynyl, alkoxy, alkoxyalkyl, cycloalkyl, aryl, aralkyl, a heterocyclic group or a C.sub.1 -C.sub.4 alkyl-heterocycle, each being optionally substituted, procided that R and R.sup.1 are not identical and * is an optically active chiral center, from the corresponding racemic ester or diol by treating with a hydrolase enzyme. In particular, racemic 2-(2,4-difluorophenyl)-3-(1H-1,2,4-triazol-1-yl)propan-1,2 diol, an intermediate in fluconazole synthesis, is resolved using porcine pancreatic lipase or lipase from Chromobacterium viscosum.