Enzymatic synthesis of optically active α-chloro-δ-hydroxy-β-ketoalkanephosphonates and reactions thereof

A novel and enzymatic approach to α-chloro-δ-hydroxy-β-ketoalkanephosphonates was developed via enantioselective CALB-catalyzed acetylation and CRL-catalyzed hydrolysis. The resultant optically active compounds provide, via Horner–Wadsworth–Emmons (HWE) reaction, chiral α,β-unsaturated ketones that are building block with potential application in organic synthesis.