Enantioselective Baeyer-Villiger oxidation of bicyclo[3.2.0]hept-2-en-6-one with fungi: Optimization of biotransformation and use of TiO2 as support of cell growth

Fungi from Amazonian forest soil (Ecuador) and an Italian factory were screened for Baeyer-Villiger (BV) oxidation of bicyclo [3.2.0]hept-2-en-6-one to 2-oxabicyclo[3.3.0]oct-6-en-3-one (Corey's lactone). Isolates of Fusarium sp. and F. solani produced the (+)-(1R,5S)-lactone while isolates of Aspergillus terricola and A. amazonicus afforded the (-)-(1S,5R)-lactone. Highest conversions (85% yield and 70% enantiomeric excess) were obtained with A. amazonicus grown in presence of 2.7 mM titanium dioxide.