Synthesis of enantiopure glycidol derivatives via a one-pot two-step enzymatic cascade

Org Biomol Chem. 2015 Feb 21;13(7):2146-52. doi: 10.1039/c4ob02186j.

Abstract

Styrene monooxygenase (SMO) can catalyze the kinetic resolution of secondary allylic alcohols to provide enantiopure glycidol derivatives. To overcome the low theoretical yield of kinetic resolution, we designed a one-pot two-step enzymatic cascade using prochiral α,β-unsaturated ketones as the substrates. An S-specific ketoreductase ChKRED03 was screened for the efficient bioreduction of the substrates to provide (S)-allylic alcohols, which underwent SMO-catalyzed epoxidation to achieve glycidol derivatives with contiguous stereogenic centers. Excellent enantioselectivity (ee > 99%) and diastereoselectivity (de > 99%) were achieved for the majority of the substrates, and product yields reached up to >99%.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Alcohol Oxidoreductases / metabolism*
  • Biocatalysis
  • Epoxy Compounds / chemistry
  • Epoxy Compounds / metabolism*
  • Kinetics
  • Oxygenases / metabolism*
  • Propanols / chemistry
  • Propanols / metabolism*
  • Stereoisomerism

Substances

  • Epoxy Compounds
  • Propanols
  • allyl alcohol
  • Alcohol Oxidoreductases
  • Oxygenases
  • styrene monooxygenase
  • glycidol