(S)-and (R)-2-Hydroxyhex-5-enoic acid and (S)-and (R)-2-hydroxyhept-6-enoic acid were prepared in excellent yields and enantiomeric excesses (> 99% ee) from the corresponding α-keto esters by the enzyme catalysed hydrolysis of the ester and reduction of the ketone in a single pot process. The enantioselective synthesis of (S)-2-hydroxypent-4-enoic acid was achieved via reaction of the reagent derived from allyl bromide and indium metal with the ...