Studies related to in vivo C-H activation: Synthesis and influence of 8,8-and 11,11-dimethyl oleic and 11,11-dimethyl linoleic acids on Delta 12-desaturation of C-sorokiniana.

The synthesis of three acids was achieved using the Wittig reaction in orde r to study their in vivo influence on the Delta 12-desaturase of Chlorella sorokiniana. It was shown that the introduction of two methyls near the dou ble bond prevent the desaturation of these exogenous acids while they seem to be accurately incorporated. This functionality could be of interest for the design of new thiaoleic acids as probes of the different oxidation proc esses. (C) 1999 Elsevier Science Ltd. All rights reserved.