The chemoenzymatic synthesis of usnic acid.
Usnic acid, a highly functionalized dibenzofuran, is a polyketide secondary metabolite produced by several species of lichens. Synthesis of usnic acid from commercially available starting material was accomplished in two steps. The synthesis involves the methylation of phloracetophenone followed by oxidation with horseradish peroxidase. This work will lay the foundation for further biosynthetic studies on usnic acid.
Hawranik
Drew J
DJ
Department of Chemistry, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, MB, Canada.
Anderson
Kurtis S
KS
Simmonds
Reesa
R
Sorensen
John L
JL
D000890:Anti-Infective Agents / Q000138:chemical synthesis / Q000737:chemistry; D001572:Benzofurans / Q000138:chemical synthesis* / Q000737:chemistry; D002625:Chemistry, Organic / Q000379:methods; D006735:Horseradish Peroxidase / Q000737:chemistry; D008011:Lichens; D008956:Models, Chemical; D010100:Oxygen / Q000737:chemistry
D000890:Anti-Infective Agents; D001572:Benzofurans; C073339:usnic acid; C023614:dibenzofuran; D006735:Horseradish Peroxidase; D010100:Oxygen