Baeyer-Villiger monooxygenases in aroma compound synthesis.

Baeyer-Villiger monooxygenases (BVMOs) are presented as highly selective and efficient biocatalysts for the synthesis of aroma lactones via kinetic resolution of 2-substituted cycloketones, exemplified with two δ-valerolactones, the jasmine lactones and their ε-caprolactone homologs. Analytical scale screens of our BVMO library ensued by preparative whole-cell biotransformations led to the identification of two enzymes (cyclohexanone monooxygenase from Arthrobacter BP2 and cyclododecanone monooxygenase from Rhodococcus SC1) perfectly suited for the task at hand: easily accessible racemic starting materials were bio-oxidized to almost enantiopure ketones and lactones in good yields (48-74%) and optical purities (ee 93% to >99%, E>100).