Synthesis of all stereoisomers of cognac lactones via microbial reduction and enzymatic resolution strategies

Both enantiomers of the diastereomeric cognac lactones have been synthesised using enzyme assisted reactions in the enantiodifferentiating step. This was accomplished by baker's yeast reduction of their precursors 3-methyl-4-oxononanoic acid and ester and by enzymatic hydrolysis of the latter. An inhibition of hydrolases by the products was observed. Trans-(+)-, trans-(-)-, cis-(+)- and cis-(-)-cognac lactones having 99, 88, 88 and 99% e.e., respectively, were thus obtained. Their CD spectra have also been studied.