Racemic pinitol

Racemic pinitol from benzene di-dihydrodiol benzoate by snccessive epoxidation and osmylation (Fignre 8.7a) (Ley et al. 1987). 

Racemic pinitol from benzene cis-dihydrodiol benzoate by successive epoxidation and osmylation (Figure 6.135a) (Ley at al. 1987) ... 

In some cases enzymes can increase the rate of reaction by up to lO times. Carnell and Roberts (1997) have briefly discussed the scope of biotransformations that are used to make pharmaceuticals like penicillins, cephalosporines, erythromycin, lovastatin, cyclosporin, etc., and for food additives like citric acid, L-glutamate, and L-lysine. A very successful transformation by Zeneca has been that of benzene reduction, with Pseudomonase Putida, to dihydrocatechol and catechol the dihydro derivative is used to produce (+/-) pinitol. Fluorobenzene has been converted to fluorodihydrocatechol, an intermediate for pharmaceuticals. The highly stereo selective Bayer-Villeger reaction has been carried out with genetically engineered S-cerevisvae. Hydrolases have allowed enantioselective, and in some cases regioselective, hydrolysis of racemic esters. 

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