Isotopic Labeling Experiments Solve the Hedycaryol Problem
Houchao Xu, Nathalie D. Lackus, Tobias G. Köllner, Jeroen S. Dickschat
Abstract
Hedycaryol is a widespread sesquiterpene alcohol and important biosynthetic intermediate toward eudesmols and guaiols. A full NMR assignment for this compound has been hampered because of the unique molecular mechanics of its conformers in complex mixtures. This problem was solved through the enzymatic synthesis of isotopically labeled materials using a mutated plant and a bacterial enzyme for access to both enantiomers of hedycaryol, which also allowed us to follow the stereochemical course of its Cope rearrangement.
Topics & Concepts
ChemistrySesquiterpeneConformational isomerismEnantiomerMolecular mechanicsEnzymeStereochemistryIsotopic labelingCope rearrangementStereoisomerismCombinatorial chemistryComputational chemistryMoleculeOrganic chemistryPlant biochemistry and biosynthesisMicrobial Metabolic Engineering and BioproductionPhotosynthetic Processes and Mechanisms