Regioselective <i>o</i>‐Hydroxylation of Monosubstituted Benzenes by P450 BM3

Abstract

Dream come true: A new monooxygenase catalyst shows excellent activity for the hydroxylation of halogenated benzenes, anisole, and toluene with almost complete ortho regioselectivity (see scheme; R=F, Cl, Br, I, CH3, OCH3). The substrates were hydroxylated at room temperature in water without cosolvent using molecular oxygen as oxidant.