Exotic biomodification of fatty acids

Many biotransformations of mid- to long chain fatty acyl derivatives are intrinsically interesting because of their high selectivity and novel mechanisms. These include one carbon transfer, hydration, isomerization, hydrogenation, ladderane and hydrocarbon formation, thiolation and various oxidative transformations such as epoxidation, hydroxylation and desaturation. In addition, hydroperoxidation of polyunsaturated fatty acids leads to a diverse array of bioactive compounds. The bioorganic aspects of selected reactions will be highlighted in this review; 210 references are cited.