Selective Hydrogenation of Carbon-Carbon Double bonds of Chalcones by Corynebacterium equi IFO 3730

Abstract

l,3-Diphenyl-2-propen-l-one (chalcone) was selectively hydrogenated at the carbon-carbon double bond on incubation with Corynebacterium equi IFO 3730, to give the corresponding saturated ketone, 1,3-diphenyl-l-propanone. Practically no alcoholic compounds were detected in the reaction mixture. This highly selective hydrogenation reaction was also successful with substrates having substituents on aromatic rings. On the other hand, two hydrogen atoms on the olefinic carbons were essential, because substitution of either one of the hydrogens by a methyl group completely inhibited the reaction.