The bioorganic chemistry of the nitroalkyl group

Abstract

Nitroalkyl groups are conspicuously rare among pharmaceutical agents, and the bioactivity of substituted nitroalkanes has been described in few instances. This article examines the natural occurrence of such compounds and the reactions of nitroalkyl compounds with enzymes. The discussion is not limited to nitro hydrocarbons; the term "nitroalkyl" is intended to distinguish the compounds from nitroaromatic compounds, which are better known in pharmacology and involve different chemical considerations. Further study of the bioorganic chemistry of the nitroalkyl group may contribute to the understanding of biosynthetic strategies and enzymatic catalysis and may permit the rational design of useful bioactive molecules. © 1985.