Fruits of the glossy privet (Ligustrum lucidum—Oleaceae) as biocatalysts for producing chiral aromatic alcohols. (December 2014)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Aimar, Mario L.; Bordón, Daniela L.; Formica, Stella M.; Cantero, Juan J.; Vazquez, Ana M.; Velasco, Manuel I.; Rossi, Laura I.
• Is Part Of: Biocatalysis and biotransformation. Volume 32:Number 5/6(2014)
• Page Start: 348
• Page End: 357
• Publication Date: 2014-12
• Subjects: Enzymes -- Biotechnology -- Periodicals; Enzymes -- Industrial applications -- Periodicals; Biotransformation (Metabolism) -- Periodicals; 660.63
• DOI: 10.3109/10242422.2014.976634
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1024-2422

Abstract

<abstract> <title>Abstract</title> <p>The screening of four invasive plant species for use as biocatalysts in the stereoselective reduction of ketones is reported. Our studies revealed that fruits of <italic>Ligustrum lucidum</italic> can be used for the bioreduction of acetophenone to (<italic>S</italic>)-1-phenylethanol (94% conversion, &gt; 99 enantiomeric excess [ee]%). Using this methodology, 13 substituted (<italic>S</italic>)-phenylethanols were synthesized with good ee values (&gt; 99.9 to 78%) using a technique which is more environmentally friendly than classical reduction of prochiral ketones. The results reveal the fruits of <italic>L. lucidum</italic> to be promising biocatalysts for the production of key intermediates.</p> </abstract>