Abstract
A highly stereoselective method for the preparation of nitro- and aminocyclitols, using fructose-1,6-bisphosphate aldolase, which catalyzes the aldol reaction of dihydroxyacetone phosphate (DHAP) on hydroxynitrobutanals, is reported. The key part of the synthesis is based on a one-pot /two-enzyme process whereby three reactions take place; rabbit muscle aldolase (RAMA) catalyzed aldolization, phytase-catalyzed phos-phate hydrolysis, and intramolecular spontaneous nitroaldolization. Two families of nitrocyclitols were obtained depending on the carbon configuration in the beta position to the nitro group. Reduction of the latter afforded the aminocyclitols. Evaluation of the inhibition properties of the amines towards five commercially available glycosidases has shown selectivity for beta-glucosidase and beta-galactosidase.