Convenient access to both enantiomers of new azido- and aminoinositols via a chemoenzymatic route

1,2-diacetylconduritol E, (±)-1, through complementary use of Mucor miehei (Lipozyme® IM) and Candida cylindracea lipases, affords (1S)-1,2-diacetylconduritol E, (+)-1, (1R)-1,2-diacetylconduritol E, (-)-1, (1S)-1,2,4-triacetylconduritol E, (+)-2, (1R)-1,2,4-triacetylconduritol E, (-)-2, with high enantiomeric excesses and chemical yields. Following two different methods, diester (+)-1 has been transformed into azidoinositol (-)-4 to give 1L-4-amino-4-deoxy-chiro-inositol, whereas triester (-)-2 furnished the azidoinositol (+)-13, easily converted into 1L-4-amino-4-deoxy-myo-inositol.