"Microbial Reduction of Trifluoromethylathed Ketones";

Trifluoromethyl substituted secondary alcohols are usually obtained in non racemic form through enzymatic resolution of their esters or through asymmetric hydride reduction of corresponding ketones. ln this communication we will describe our results on the asymmetric reduction of trifluoromethyl ketones with growing microorganisms. For instance, when Geotricum candidum was challenged with trans- I,1,1-tritluoro- 4-phenyl-3-buten-2-one both the carbon-carbon double bond and the carbonyl group were reduced and corresponding (S)-2-butanol was obtained with 96% e.e. The behaviour of other microorganisms and the reduction of other tritluoromethylated ketones will be described. A comparison between the enantioselectivity observed in the redu ction of trifluoromethylketones and that obtained starting from methyl substituted analogues will also be presented.