Microbial phosphorylation of compactin (ML-236B) and related compounds

Several fungal strains were found to convert compactin (ML-236B) to 5'-phosphocompactic acid. The product was isolated by solvent extraction and column chromatography, and identified by IR, UV, 1H NMR, 13C NMR and 31P NMR spectroscopy. Related structures (monacolin K, L and X) were also transformed to their corresponding phosphorylated analogues. The products were re-converted back to respective parental compounds by treatment with alkaline phosphatase of calf intestine.