Aerobic oxidation is an inevitable consequence of life on earth that creates an evolutionary pressure to utilize molecular oxygen (O2) without combustion. This pressure has led to a beautiful array of biosynthetic adaptations, which often create molecules or materials of exceptional complexity at the sole expense of consuming O2 and creating water (H2O). Inspired by nature’s use of O2, our group has studied biosynthetic aerobic oxidations catalysed by metalloenzymes. By carefully coordinating transition metals within their active sites, metalloenzymes selectively activate O2 for use as an acceptor of hydrogen (oxidase) or as a reagent for atom transfer (oxygenase). In certain cases, we have found that surprisingly simple reagent combinations recreate enzyme-like catalytic activity under conditions that are suitable for complex molecule synthesis. This lecture will draw upon our recent studies of tetrahydroisoquinoline alkaloids to discuss opportunities and challenges facing the increased use of O2 in complex molecule synthesis.

Catalytic aerobic oxidations of phenols and catechols catalyzed by copper, and their application to the synthesis of tetrahydroisoquinoline alkaloids

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ACS Fall 2022

The official archive and repository for all ACS Meetings & Expositions abstracts and select posters or presentations.