A mild biosynthesis of lactones via enantioselective hydrolysis of hydroxynitriles

We have developed a biocatalytic method to produce lactones and related compounds via the enzymatic hydrolysis of γ- and β-hydroxynitriles. The synthesis is a mild, general, and environmentally friendly way to enantioselectively hydrolyze nitriles with commercially available nitrilase enzymes. The synthesis of four pheromones is demonstrated via a one-step method.

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