Microbiological Hydroxylations: Myths and Realities

Abstract

Microorganisms such as filamentous fungi are known to carry out regio- and stereoselective hydroxylations of a wide range of natural or synthetic hydrophobic organic compounds, probably as part of a detoxification mechanism. The potential and limitations of such reactions, as a tool for performing preparative hydroxylation and functionalization, will be examined through selected examples: a quinidine derived alkaloid, a monoterpenic prochiral compound (1,8-cineole), and synthetic polyclic enones.