Conversion of Hydroxy Nitriles to Lactones Using Rhodococcus rhodochrous Whole Cells

摘要

We have demonstrated that hydroxy nitriles can be efficiently converted to the corresponding lactones in one step using the microorganism R. rhodo-chrous under very mild conditions. Current studies include defining the scope of acceptable substrates, optimizing workup procedures and yields, immobilizing the microorganism to facilitate product isolation, and improving the enantioselectivity of the hydrolyses. Our immediate future plans include refining the proposed mechanism of this transformation and isolating the enzyme(s) responsible for this activity.