Development of a Novel Chemoenzymatic Process for (S)‑1-(Pyridin-4-yl)-1,3-propanediol

We first developed a novel and efficient chemoenzymatic process to prepare (S)-1-(pyridin-4-yl)-1,3-propanediol, a vital HepDirect prodrug intermediate, from inexpensive and commercially available isonicotinic acid. Through this process, we provide a creative way to obtain the key chiral intermediate, β-hydroxyester, with ketoreductase (KRED) EA. After optimization of the process, we performed the reaction on a 100 g scale with a substrate concentration of up to 150 g/L, a yield of 93%, and an ee value of up to 99.9%. Additionally, we used a simple and effective NaBH₄/MgCl₂ reduction system to obtain (S)-1-(pyridin-4-yl)-1,3-propanediol with >99.9% ee and an 80% yield. This novel chemoenzymatic process has the potential to be a cost-effective and environmentally friendly process suitable for industrial use.