Effects of various factors on asymmetric synthesis of R-phenylaminoethanol from aminoacetophenone by the whole cells of \%Arachnia sp.\% P163 producing alcohol dehydrogenase for phenylethanol amine was investigated. It found that, although the reduction was inhibited by the substrate and the product, but it has the very high stereoselectivity. The reduction was normaly carried out with 2% glucose for reproduction of coenzyme in the reaction system without oxygen. The conversion yield and ee value of the product achieved 65% and 100%, respectively.
