Highly stereoselective reduction of 4-Aryl-2-oxo but-3-enoic carboxylic esters by plant cell culture of Daucus carota

A highly enantioselective preparation (92–99% enantiomeric excess, 100% conversion) of various 4-aryl-2-hydroxy but-3-enoic carboxylic acid esters from the corresponding 4-phenyl-2-keto but-3-enoic acid esters mediated by plant cell cultures of Daucus carota under mild and environmentally benign conditions in aqueous medium is described.