Epoxidation of alkenes by chloroperoxidase catalysis

Chloroperoxidase from Caldariomyces fumago catalyzes the peroxidation of alkenes to epoxides. This enzyme is the only haloperoxidase of four tested capable of carrying out the reaction. These results further establish chloroperoxidase as a unique haloperoxidase, and adds this enzyme to the short list of other enzymes (e.g., cytochrome P-450) known to epoxidize alkenes.