Enantiocomplementary C–H bond hydroxylation through a dual-enzyme catalyzed one-pot two-step process

Abstract

The enantioselective benzylic oxidation to synthesize chiral benzyl alcohols from alkylarenes poses a challenge. This study introduces a one-pot, two-step C–H bond hydroxylation process that integrates HRP-catalyzed oxidation and carbonyl reductase-catalyzed reduction for the enantiocomplementary synthesis of benzyl alcohols (up to 77% yield and 99% ee). This mild and operationally simple process provides an alternative approach to enantioselective benzylic hydroxylation.