The reaction of enol(ate)s with electrophiles is used extensively in organic synthesis for stereoselective C–C bond formation. Protein-based catalysts have had comparatively limited application for the stereoselective formation of C–C bonds of choice via enolate chemistry. We describe protein engineering studies on 5-carboxymethylproline synthases, members of the crotonase superfamily, aimed at enabling stereoselective C–C bond formation leading to N-heterocycles via control of trisubstituted enolate intermediates. Active site substitutions, including at the oxyanion binding site, enable the production of substituted N-heterocycles in high diastereomeric excesses via stereocontrolled enolate formation and reaction. The results reveal the potential of the ubiquitous crotonase superfamily as adaptable catalysts for the control of enolate chemistry.
Research Department
Research Journal
Nature Chemistry
Research Publisher
Nature Publishing Group
Research Rank
1
Research Vol
Vol. 3
Research Website
doi: 10.1038/nchem.1011
Research Year
2011
Research Member
Research Abstract