Stereoselective oxidation of protected inositol derivatives catalyzed by inositol dehydrogenase from Bacillus subtilis.

Inositol dehydrogenase (EC 1.1.1.18) from Bacillus subtilis is shown to have a nonpolar cavity adjacent to the active site, allowing racemic protected inositol derivatives such as 4-O-benzyl-myo-inositol to be recognized with very high apparent stereoselectivity.