Enzyme catalysed asymmetrization of pyridyl substituted 1,3-propanediols and of the corresponding diacetates

Abstract 2-(4-pyridyl)- and 2-(2-pyridyl)-1,3-propanediols 1 and 4 were prepared and asymmetrized by enantioselective acetylation in organic solvent catalysed by hydrolytic enzymes, the best being supported pig pancreatic lipase, to give new valuable heterocyclic chiral building blocks. The asymmetrization of diacetate 6 , catalysed by pig pancreatic lipase is also described.