title: Semisynthetic Enzymes in Asymmetric Synthesis: Enantioselective Reduction of Racemic Hydroperoxides Catalyzed by Seleno-Subtilisin.
abstract: The serine protease subtilisin was chemically converted into the peroxidase-active seleno-subtilisin. This semisynthetic enzyme catalyzes the enantioselective reduction of racemic hydroperoxides in the presence of thiophenols to yield optically active hydroperoxides and alcohols on the semipreparative scale. The kinetic parameters and enantioselectivities of seleno-subtilisin-catalyzed reduction of various chiral hydroperoxides were determined. The catalytic efficiency of this semisynthetic enzyme is comparable to that of the native horseradish peroxidase. The sense in the enantioselectivity of the seleno-subtilisin is opposite to the natural enzymes previously used in the synthesis of optically active hydroperoxides. Consequently, the semisynthetic enzyme seleno-subtilisin complements the naturally available peroxidases for the asymmetric synthesis of both enantiomers.
authors.affiliation: Institutes of Organic Chemistry and of Pharmacy and Food Chemistry, University of Würzburg, Am Hubland, D-97074 Würzburg, Germany.
authors.forename: Dietmar
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Häring
authors.forename: Ellen
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: Schüler
authors.forename: Waldemar
authors.initials: W
authors.lastname: Adam
authors.forename: Chantu R.
authors.initials: CR
authors.lastname: Saha-Möller
authors.forename: Peter
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Schreier