Rare sugars and sugar-based synthons by chemo-enzymatic synthesis

The unique catalytic potential of the fungal enzyme pyranose oxidase was de monstrated by preparative conversions of a variety of carbohydrates, and by extensive chemical characterization of the reaction products with NMR spec troscopy. The studies revealed that POx not only oxidizes most substrates v ery efficiently but also that POx possesses a glycosyl-transfer potential, producing disaccharides from beta -glycosides of higher alcohols. Although most substrates are oxidized by POx at the C-2 position, several substrates are converted into the 3-keto-derivatives. On the basis of these products, strategies are developed for the convenient production of sugar-derived sy nthons, rare sugars and fine chemicals by combining biotechnical and chemic al methods. (C) 2000 Elsevier Science Inc. All rights reserved.