Synthesis of chiral 3-alkyl-3,4-dihydroisocoumarins by dynamic kinetic resolutions catalyzed by a Baeyer-Villiger monooxygenase.

Baeyer-Villiger monooxygenases have been tested in the oxidation of racemic benzofused ketones. When employing a single mutant of phenylacetone monooxygenase (M446G PAMO) under the proper reaction conditions, it was possible to achieve 3-substituted 3,4-dihydroisocoumarins with high yields and optical purities through regioselective dynamic kinetic resolution processes.