Chiral recognition by biological macromolecules. Partial resolution of racemic enones by albumin

A novel approach to the optical resolution of racemic enones has been introduced by using the binding properties of the transport protein albumin, which chemically binds preferentially one antipode of some alpha, beta-unsaturated cyclic enones in a reversible manner. Simple separation of the macromolecules by ultrafiltration leads to partial resolution of racemates.