Enantioselective reductions of 2-X-1-(1, 3-benzodioxol-5-yl)-1-ethanones,(X= Cl, Br, N3) by Rhodothorula glutinis CCT 2182 afforded the corresponding (R)-ethanols in good to excellent yields (57–99%) and excellent enantiomeric excesses (> 99%). These alcohols may be used as raw materials for the preparation of the pharmaceuticals (R)-(−)- epinephrine,(R)-(−)-norepinephrine and (R)-(−)-isoproterenol.