Biotransformations of Fluorinated Sulphenyl and Sulphonyl Compounds

Optically-active sulphenyl or sulphonyl fluorohydrins were obtained by reduction of ketones with baker's yeast or by enzymatic resolution of their racemic esters using Candida cylindracea lipase. Crystallization of partially optically fluorohydrins gave enantiomerically pure forms. The enantioselectivity of the enzymatic reaction is affected by steric requirements of the substituent