The combination of enzymes with traditional chemical catalysts unifies the high selectivity of the former with the versatility of the latter. A major challenge of this approach is the difference in the optimal reaction conditions for each catalyst type. In this work, we combined a cofactor-free decarboxylase with a ruthenium metathesis catalyst to produce high-value antioxidants from bio-based precursors. As suitable ruthenium catalysts did not show satisfactory activity under aqueous conditions, the reaction required the use of an organic solvent, which in turn significantly reduced enzyme activity. Upon encapsulation of the decarboxylase in a cryogel, the decarboxylation could be conducted in an organic solvent, and the recovery of the enzyme after the reaction was facilitated. After an intermediate drying step, the subsequent metathesis in pure organic solvent proved to be straightforward. The synthetic utility of the cascade was demonstrated by the synthesis of the antioxidant 4,4'-dihydroxystilbene in an overall yield of 90 %.
OleT from Jeotgalicoccus sp. ATCC 8456 catalyzes the decarboxylation of ω‐functionalized fatty acids to the corresponding alkenols, which can themselves serve as starting material for the synthesis of polymers and fine chemicals. To show the versatility of possible reactions, a series of in vitro reaction cascades was developed where an alkenol produced by the decarboxylation of ω‐hydroxy fatty acids can be further converted into alkenylamines and diols. By coupling OleT with an alcohol dehydrogenase or alcohol oxidase as well as an amino‐transaminase, an oxidative decarboxylation followed by the oxidation of the terminal alcohol and a subsequent reductive transamination could be carried out. By using different cofactors or electron sources, the reactions could be performed sequentially or simultaneously. The combination of enzymatic decarboxylation with a ruthenium catalyst in a chemo‐enzymatic cascade provides a novel way to synthesize long‐chain diols.
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