Biocatalytic N-Alkylation of Amines Using Either Primary Alcohols or Carboxylic Acids via Reductive Aminase Cascades

J Am Chem Soc. 2019 Jan 23;141(3):1201-1206. doi: 10.1021/jacs.8b11561. Epub 2019 Jan 8.

Abstract

The alkylation of amines with either alcohols or carboxylic acids represents a mild and safe alternative to the use of genotoxic alkyl halides and sulfonate esters. Here we report two complementary one-pot systems in which the reductive aminase (RedAm) from Aspergillus oryzae is combined with either (i) a 1° alcohol/alcohol oxidase (AO) or (ii) carboxylic acid/carboxylic acid reductase (CAR) to affect N-alkylation reactions. The application of both approaches has been exemplified with respect to substrate scope and also preparative scale synthesis. These new biocatalytic methods address issues facing alternative traditional synthetic protocols such as harsh conditions, overalkylation and complicated workup procedures.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Alcohol Oxidoreductases / chemistry
  • Alcohols / chemistry*
  • Alkylation
  • Amines / chemical synthesis*
  • Aspergillus oryzae / enzymology
  • Biocatalysis
  • Carboxylic Acids / chemistry*
  • Molecular Structure
  • Oxidoreductases / chemistry
  • Oxidoreductases Acting on CH-NH2 Group Donors / chemistry*

Substances

  • Alcohols
  • Amines
  • Carboxylic Acids
  • Oxidoreductases
  • Alcohol Oxidoreductases
  • carboxylic acid reductase
  • Oxidoreductases Acting on CH-NH2 Group Donors