CH-activating oxidative hydroxylation of 1-tetralones and related compounds with high regio- and stereoselectivity

Mutants of P450-BM3 evolved by directed evolution are excellent catalysts in the CH-activating oxidative hydroxylation of 1-tetralone derivatives and of indanone, with unusually high regio- and enantio-selectivity being observed. Similar results were achieved in the oxidative hydroxylation of tetralin and indane. The products are useful building blocks in the synthesis of a number of biologically active compounds.