A method for producing optically active alcohols is provided. Optically
active alcohols are useful intermediates in pharmaceutical production.
The method of the present invention enables simple and efficient
production of optically active alcohols with a high optical purity.
According to the production method disclosed, optically active alcohols
are produced via asymmetric reduction of 3-quinuclidinone using tropinone
reductase-I. For example, the use of tropinone reductase-I derived from
plants like Datura stramonium and Hyoscyamus niger allows the production
of high optical purity (R)-3-quinuclidinol.