The concept of docking and protecting groups in biohydroxylation

The hydroxylation of unactivated carbon atoms employing methods developed in the realms of classical organic chemistry is difficult to achieve and the processes available lack the degree of chemo-, regio- and enantioselectivity required for organic synthesis. To improve this situation, the concept of docking/protecting groups should enable the organic chemist to employ biohydroxylation as an easy tool for preparative work. Similar to the common practice of using protective groups in organic chemistry, a docking/protecting (d/p) group is introduced first, then the biotransformation is performed, and finally the d/p group is removed. The aim of this concept is not only to avoid time consuming microorganism screening methods, but also to improve hydroxylation position predictability, prevent undesired side reactions, aid substrate detection, and product recovery. This approach is successfully applied to carboxylic acids, ketones, aldehydes, and alcohols.