Oxyfunctionalization of Pharmaceuticals by Fungal Peroxygenases

Throughout drug discovery and development, metabolic studies are driven by an increased interest to understand the potential for side effects and drug-drug interactions. Peroxygenases are a subclass of peroxide-dependent enzymes that catalyze the transfer of a peroxide-borne oxygen to diverse substrates. The selective oxyfunctionalization of organic molecules is one of the major challenges for the chemical community. Benzylic hydroxylation is one of the most frequently observed reactions of unspecific peroxygenases due to the activated nature of benzylic C–H bonds. The hydroxylation of aromatic rings is a common reaction in the formation of drug metabolites by P450s in mammals including humans. In the liver, P450s facilely metabolize secondary and tertiary amines as well as ethers to the corresponding dealkylated metabolites. The regio- and stereoselective direct introduction of oxygen functionalities into complex pharmaceuticals is a great challenge for organic chemists.