Preparation of (S)-2,3-dichloro-1-propanol byPseudomonas sp. and its use in the synthesis of (R)-epichlorohydrin

Summary Pseudomonas sp. OS-K-29 assimilated (R)-2,3-dichloro-1-propanol preferentially as the sole source of carbon. Isolation of optically pure (S)-2,3-dichloro-1-propanol with 100% enantiomer excess (e.e.) from the racemate was done based on this bacterial assimilation using immobilized-cells of OS-K-29 with calcium-alginate. The overall examination of the reactor involved 19 batches for 50 days without loss of its activity. Highly pure (R)-epichlorohydrin with 99.5% e.e. was prepared from the (S)-2,3-dichloro-1-propanol with treatment of aqueous NaOH. This new method is simple and useful for manufacturing optically active (S)-2,3-dichloro-1-propanol and (R)-epichlorohydrin.