Oxidative N-Debenzylation of N-Benzyl-N-substituted Benzylamines Catalyzed by Cytochrome P450

Abstract

Cytochrome P450 (P450)/O2/NADPH engender electron transfer reaction of N-benzyl-N-substituted benzylamines to yield corresponding radical cation 1 that is simultaneously converted into 2 and 3. Subsequently, expulsion of proton and hydroxylation yielding a-hydroxylamines are followed by formation of benzaldehydes and benzylamines.