Processing of <i>o</i>-Halobenzoates by Toluene Dioxygenase. The Role of the Alkoxy Functionality in the Regioselectivity of the Enzymatic Dihydroxylation Reaction

Abstract

In order to investigate the relationship between the size of a substituent on the aromatic substrate and its directing effect on the dihydroxylation, a series of 2-halobenzoates was synthesized and subjected to metabolism by toluene dioxygenase in preparative-scale fermentation cultures of Escherichia coli JM109 (pDTG601A). Larger ester substituents were shown to have a greater directing effect on the dihydroxylation reaction. Furthermore, significant increases in regioselectivity were observed using propargyl substituents, relative to the use of any other ester substituent. The selectivity and the product ratios are reported for o-fluoro-, o-chloro-, o-bromo-, and o-iodobenzoate esters (methyl, ethyl, n-propyl, allyl, and propargyl). Experimental and spectral data, as well as absolute stereochemistry, are provided for all new compounds.