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The asymmetric reduction of symmetrical and nonsymmetrical diketones as well as the stereoselective oxidation of various diols by biocatalytic hydrogen transfer was investigated by employing lyophilized cells of Rhodococcus ruber DSM 44541 containing alcohol dehydrogense ADH-'A'. Symmetrical and nonsymmetrical diketones at the (ω-1)-and (ω-2)-positions are reduced to the Prelog product with high stereopreference, while sterically more demanding ketone moie-

Total asymmetric synthesis of two components of Panax ginseng showing antitumor activity, i.e., (3R,9R,10R)- and (3S,9R,10R)-Panaxytriol and of both enantiomers of Falcarinol was accomplished. Due to the fact that the synthetic strategy was based on enantioconvergent biotransformations, the occurrence of any undesired stereoisomer was entirely avoided. The absolute configuration of naturally occurring Panaxytriol was confirmed to be (3R,9R,10R) on the basis of optical rotation values. It was shown that enzyme-triggered cascade reactions represent a valuable tool for the synthesis of natural products.

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