PURPOSE: To obtain optically active diols useful as intermediate raw materials for agrochemicals, pharmaceuticals, etc., in a high yield by reacting a specific enantiomer mixture with a biotissue, etc., thereby stereoselectively hydrolyzing the enantiomer.
CONSTITUTION: This optically active diols of the formula II can be produced by reacting an enantiomer mixture of a compound of the formula I [(n) is 1 or 2; R is 1-11C (halogenated) alkyl, 2-11C alkenyl or aromatic group] with a biotissue, microbial cell or yeast containing esterase and stereoselectively hydrolyzing the cyclic carbonic acid ester part of the compound. The compound of the formula I is preferably stereoselectively converted to a diol preferably by using Pseudomonas NSB15l6 strain (FERM P-13649) or Rhodococcus NSB1702 strain (FERM P-13650).
ANDO TAKAHIRO
TAKAGI NAOYUKI
