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Asian J. Org. Chem. 2023, 12 (8), e202300274

Synthesis of 𝛽-Quaternary Lactams Using Photoenzymatic Catalysis

Joshua R. Turek-Herman, Mike Rosenberger, Todd K. Hyster

Asian J. Org. Chem. 2023, 12 (8), e202300274

Publication Abstract

Quaternary carbons are useful motifs in chemical synthesis but can be challenging to prepare using many chemical methods. Here, we report a stereoselective synthesis of Ξ²-quaternary lactams using flavin-dependent β€˜ene’-reductases via a 5-exo-trig radical cyclization. The products are formed in moderate to good levels of enantioselectivity using an β€˜ene’-reductase variant from Zymomonas mobilis. This method highlights the opportunity for biocatalysis to form quaternary centers using non-natural reactions.