Extending the biocatalytic reaction and cascade repertoire for organic synthesis
Prof. Dr. Wolfgang Kroutil
Institute of Chemistry, University of Graz, NAWI Graz, Heinrichstrasse 28, 8010 Graz, Austria
Using biocatalysts in organic synthesis is a continuously increasing field. We contributed to the field by developing e.g. a formal reductive amination of ketones, enabling e.g. regio- and stereoselective amination of di-ketones and improved the reaction sequence by substituting chemical reactions with biocatalytic ones.
The biocatalytic reaction toolbox was further extended e.g. by a biocatalytic Friedel-Crafts like reaction, giving for the acylation of catechols alternative protocols. Furthermore, the biocatalytic Pictet-Spengler reaction of tryptamine and aldehyde enables a C-C bond formation leading to chiral amines, namely beta-carbolines allowing the shortest synthesis of (R)-harmicine.
Oximes have not been reported at all to reduced by a defined single enzyme. We were just recently able to identify en-reductases as suitable catalyst for the asymmetric reduction of activated oximes.
This colloquium will take place online. More information coming soon.