Enhanced enantioselectivity of an enzymatic reaction by the sulfur functional group. A simple preparation of optically active .beta.-hydroxy nitriles using a lipase
The enantioselectivity of a lipase-catalyzed hydrolysis was improved by varying the acyl residue into the sulfur functional one, i.e. the beta-(phenylthio)- or beta-(methylthio)acetoxy group, from acetate or valerate to realize satisfactory resolution of beta-hydroxy nitriles using lipase P (Pseudomonas sp.).