PUB - Publikationen an der Universität Bielefeld

An efficient and broadly applicable synthetic method for the indus-trial product class of aromatic nitriles is presented, which-in contrast to technical methods such as ammoxidation and substitu-tions with cyanide-proceeds at energy-saving low temperature and avoids the use of highly toxic cyanide. As catalysts, a set regioselective enzymes based on the aldoxime dehydratase from Rhodococcus sp. N-771 were identified and, in part, designed by combined experimental and modeling approach. Due to a tailor-made enlarged active site, the variants M29G and F306A converted meta- and para-substituted substrates with even bulky substituents such as phenyl. In addition, the process runs at high substrate loading (of up to 500 mM as demonstrated for a model process) and shows a promising substrate scope.