SIDE-CHAIN HYDROXYLATION OF AROMATIC-COMPOUNDS BY FUNGI .5. EXPLORINGTHE BENZYLIC HYDROXYLASE OF MORTIERELLA-ISABELLINA

The active site topography of the hydroxylase enzyme of Mortierella is abellina ATCC 42613, which carries out the benzylic hydroxylation of t oluene, ethylbenzene, and related compounds, has been explored. Operat ing in a whole cell biotransformation mode, this enzyme shows selectiv ity in substrate processing based on the nature, position and size of substituent side chains close to the site of hydroxylation The results of determination of the yield and stereochemistry of hydroxylation of over twenty substrates and potential substrates, together with previo usly reported data, have been used to propose an active site model for the benzylic hydroxylase enzyme.