Biotransformation of tetrahydro-α-santonins by Absidia coerulea

Abstract

The fungus, Absidia coerulea was employed to bioconvert tetrahydro-α-santonins, 1,2,4α,5α-tetrahydro-α-santonin (1), and its 4-epimer (2), from which 10 products (3–12) were obtained. Furthermore, their structures were determined, based on their chemical and spectroscopic data analyses. Among them, 3–5, 7, 9, 11 and 12 were observed to be seven new compounds. The reactions mainly involved in these bio-process included hydroxylation(s) (C-4, C-11, and C-1), reduction (C-3 ketone to alcohol).

Keywords:

• Tetrahydro-α-santonin
• Biotransformation
• Absidia coerulea

Acknowledgements

This work was supported by the “211” and “985” Projects of The Central University for Nationalities.