ISSN:
0018-019X
Keywords:
Chemistry
;
Organic Chemistry
Source:
Wiley InterScience Backfile Collection 1832-2000
Topics:
Chemistry and Pharmacology
Notes:
Synthesis of optically active sesquiterpenes with a eudesmane C-skeleton from the chiral starting material thujone involves transformation of a tricyclic intermediate (1R,2R,4S)-1,7-dimethyl-4-(1-methylethyl)tricyclo[4.4.0.02,4]dec-6-en-8-one (2) into the bicyclic compound β -cyperone (5). Hydroxylation of 2 at C(5) or C(11) permits subsequent opening of the cyclopropane ring and rearrangement to β -cyperone. In this publication, studies involving hydroxylation of 2 by fungal cultures are presented. The resultant products are useful intermediates in efficient synthesis of eudesmane sesquiterpenes. Of five fungi tested, Rhizopus oryzae ATCC 11145 proved most versatile. It hydroxylates at the exocyclic C(11) position in high yield (70%) and, to a lesser extent, at C(5) (5%). Enzymatic activity appears at the end of growth phase and at least 2.2 g of 2 per liter can be metabolized without significant loss of product yield. A second fungus, Cunninghamella echinulata ATCC 9244, proved most useful for hydroxylation of derivatives of 2 for the preparation of derivatives of β -cyperone, although product yields were low (2-20%), some derivatives were nonreactive, and hydroxylation at C(9) occurred. The relationship between precursor structure and enzyme affinity is discussed.
Additional Material:
3 Ill.
Type of Medium:
Electronic Resource
URL:
http://dx.doi.org/10.1002/hlca.19940770704
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