Enantioselective synthesis of potential new bioherbicides

The aim of this study is to develop an enantioselective synthetic approach to natural and non-natural biscognienins with potential bioherbicidal activity. ¹ The work began with a chiral cyclohexadienediol obtained by microbial biotransformation of bromobenzene. ² This starting material was protected for subsequent functionalization of the ring, followed by the introduction of the side chain via a Sonogashira-type coupling. Finally, the synthesis concluded with sequential deprotection and oxidation steps. The main results comprise the successful synthesis of a valuable, highly functionalised chiral intermediate with promising yield. In conclusion, an efficient chemoenzymatic strategy was established to generate a library of compounds, providing key precursors for the development of phytotoxins.