A new enzyme catalysis: 3,4-dioxidation of some aryl β-d-glycopyranosides by fungal pyranose dehydrogenase

Quinone-dependent pyranose dehydrogenase presents a new tool for versatile conversions of numerous carbohydrates to their di- and tricarbonyl derivatives. This enzyme purified from the basidiomycete Agaricus meleagris catalysed dioxidation of several aromatic β-d-glucopyranosides and a β-d-xylopyranoside into the corresponding 3,4-didehydro-β-d-aldopyranosides (β-d-aldopyranosid-3,4-diuloses) in high yields, typically >80% for 4-nitrophenyl glycosides. These new compounds were doubly hydrated in aqueous solution. According to in situ NMR investigations, the reaction intermediates were the corresponding 3- and 4-dehydro compounds. The analogous anomeric α-glycosides underwent one-step oxidation only at C-3 to 3-dehydro-α-d-aldopyranosides (α-d-pyranosid-3-uloses).