Applications of Baeyer-Villiger monooxygenase in organic synthesis

The applications of Baeyer-Villiger monooxygenase in organic synthesis was discribed. Oxidizing enzymes were highly sought after because of the selectivity, controllability and economy of their reactions, in comparison with conventional chemical reactions. Cyclohexanone monooxygenase, an NADPH-dependent oxygenase, was the first enzyme reported to be capable of catalyzing Baeyer-Villiger oxidations. These important reactions could yield ring-expanded products of significant interest to the synthetic chemist. Cyclohexanone monooxygenase is also an example of a useful biocatalyst. Here, cofactor recycle constraints were overcome by using engineered strains as whole cell biocatalysts. For Baeyer-Villiger oxidations of ketones, including heterocyclic ketones and dynamic kinetic resolution, scale-up of such reactions will hold much promise as a synthetic route.