Microbiological Transformations 15. The Enantioselective Microbiological Baeyer-Villiger Oxidation of Alpha-Substituted Cyclopentanones

Abstract

Two strains of Acinetobacteria have been studied in order to perform enantioselective Baeyer-Villiger-type oxidations of racemic alpha-substituted cyclopentanones. This allows a one-step synthesis of various delta-lactones showing optical purities up to 97%, using whole-cell procedures. Tetraethylpyrophosphate and 1,2-cyclohexanediol have been used in order to enhance the yields of the bioconversion. The obtained (S)-lactones are of high interest as readily accessible chirons as well as to the flavor industry.