Regioselective oxidation of (+)-α-longipinene by Aspergillus niger

Abstract

The regioselective oxidation of (+)-α-longipinene (1) with sesquiterpen hydrocarbon was investigated using Aspergillus niger (NBRC 4414) as a biocatalyst. Compound 1 was converted to three new terpenoids, (+)-(5S)-5,12-dihydroxy-α-longipinene (2), (-)-(5R)-5,12-dihydroxy-α-longipinene (3), and (+)-12-hydroxy-α-longipinen-5-one (4). These structures were determined by NMR, IR, specific rotation and mass spectral studies. © 2010 by Japan Oil Chemists' Society.