Production of (S)-(-)-1-(1'-Napthyl) Ethanol by Rhodotorula glutinis Isolate Using Ram Horn Peptone

The bioreduction of 1-acetonaphthone 1 by locally isolated Rhodotorula glutinis strains using ram horn peptone (RHP) gave (S)-(-)-1-(1'-naphthyl) ethanol ( 2), an important pharmaceutical intermediate. R. glutinis strains were isolated from the water of fermented Salix leaves. Optimum fermentation conditions for the production of 2 were 200 rpm, 32 degrees C, and pH 6.5. The production of 2 with excellent enantiomeric excess (> 99%), and good conversion (100%) and yield (78%) under optimum conditions was achieved up to preparative scale via a fermenter. Wide temperature, pH, time, and agitation ranges did not affect the enantiomeric excess (ee) of the bioreduction product. A simple process for the isolation of R. glutinis was also developed.