Catalytic asymmetric synthesis of β-hydroxyacids and their esters

Data on the catalytic methods for the reduction of β-ketoacids and their esters to the corresponding optically active hydroxyacids and hydroxyesters with the aid of enzymes and chiral heterogeneous and metal complex catalysts are surveyed. The application of optically active hydroxyesters as chiral synthons and monomers for the synthesis of biodegradable polymers is examined. Procedures for increasing the optical purity of the products are outlined on the basis of an analysis of the literature data and the author's own results.The bibliograhy includes 151 references.