Enzymatic functionalization of aromatic N-heterocycles:: Hydroxylation and carboxylation

Aromatic N-heterocycles are common structural motifs and versatile building blocks for the synthesis of various biologically active compounds. The application of microbial catalysis is considerably advantageous for the synthesis of N-heterocycle derivatives. Recent progress in the microbial functionalization of aromatic N-heterocyclic compounds is reviewed, focusing on the regiospecific hydroxylation and the carboxylation of aromatic N-heterocycles.