Dihydrocodeine and hydrocodone were synthesized from bromobenzene in 16 and 17 transformations, respectively. The key steps involved the toluene dioxygenase-mediated dihydroxylation of bromobenzene by whole-cell fermentation with E. coli JM109(pDTG601A), Kazmaier–Claisen rearrangement of glycinate ester, Claisen rearrangement to set the C-13 quaternary center, and C-10–C-11 closure. Experimental procedures are provided for the key steps.
Key words
enzymatic dihydroxylation of arenes - whole-cell fermentation - Kazmaier–Claisen rearrangement - hydrocodone - dihydrocodeine - morphine alkaloids