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Updated: Sep 17, 2025

Preparation of Enantiopure Non-Activated Aziridines and Synthesis of Biemamide B, D, and epiallo-Isomuscarine
Published on: June 13, 2022
Photoenzymatic enantioselective synthesis of fluorinated amides with remote stereocenter
Chaoqun Huang1,2,3, Xuerui Jin1,2,3, Zhenyu Liu1,2,3
1Frontiers Science Center for Synthetic Biology (Ministry of Education), School of Synthetic Biology and Biomanufacturing, Tianjin University, Tianjin, China.
Abstract:
Fluorinated compounds are scarce in nature, albeit they are in high demand in pharmaceuticals, agrochemicals, and materials. Fluorinated amides serve as prevalent structural motifs in pharmaceuticals and bioactive molecules. However, enantioselective synthesis of fluorinated amides remains challenging. Herein, we develop a visible-light-driven ene-reductase system that effectively generates carbon-centered radicals from fluorine-containing brominated amides. The system further enables their enantioselective hydroalkylation with alkenes, achieving high stereocontrol. Diversified α-fluorinated amides with high yield (up to 91%) and distal chirality (γ-to F, up to 97% enantiomeric excess) are produced by optimizing the reaction system and performing enzyme engineering. This work advances photoenzymatic strategies for the integration of fluorinated chemical inputs and creates an opportunity for the asymmetric synthesis of valuable fluorinated compounds.
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