Shell International Petroleum Company, Ltd.

Volkert P Claassen

Arthur F Marx

Gareth T Phillips

Hein Simon Koger

Mauro A Bertola

Process for the preparation of R-2,2-R.sub.1,R.sub.2 -1,3-dioxolane-4-methanol wherein R.sub.1 and R.sub.2 are H or alkyl groups or wherein R.sub.1 and R.sub.2 together with the carbon atom to which they are attached form a carbocyclic ring by subjecting a mixture of R- and S-2,2-R.sub.1,R.sub.2 -1,3-dioxolane-4-methanol to the action of a micro-organism or substances derived therefrom having the ability for stereoselective consumption of S-2,2-R.sub.1,R.sub.2 -1,3-dioxolane-4-methanol preferably until at least 80 wt % and more preferably all the S-2,2-R.sub.1,R.sub.2 -1,3-dioxolane-4-methanol is consumed. Various micro-organisms of the genus Rhodococcus, Nocardia and Corynebacterium are disclosed as suitable for the purpose. The R-isomer is a valuable intermediate for stereospecific synthesis of various biologically active compounds including S-metoprolol.

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Amsterdam, Netherlands

Volkert P Claassen