Ene Reductase Enzymes for the Aromatisation of Tetralones and Cyclohexenones to Naphthols and Phenols

Ene reductases (EREDs) have great potential as oxidation biocatalysts, as demonstrated by their efficient conversion of a number of tetralones to the corresponding naphthols. Of 96 enzymes tested, 57 were able to produce 2-naphthol in this way. Further tests with substituted tetralones revealed typically high conversions up to > 99%. The reactions were performed under mild conditions in aqueous buffer with only co-solvent, biocatalyst and oxidation substrate required for conversion. Production of a methoxy-substituted naphthol was also successfully performed on a gram scale, with 91% yield. This methodology provides a new avenue to produce substituted naphthols as valuable building blocks, with the possibility to extend the approach to the production of phenols also being demonstrated.