Galactose oxidase and alcohol oxidase: Scope and limitations for the enzymatic synthesis of aldehydes

The utility of both galactose oxidase and alcohol oxidase for alcohol-to-aldehyde oxidation has been investigated, from a synthetic point of view. The speed of reaction and degree of conversion has been measured for 29 different primary alcohols. The two oxidative enzymes show complementary synthetic use, i.e. galactose oxidase for galactose-derived polyols and alcohol oxidase for aliphatic mono- and diols. Alcohol oxidase has been successfully used in combination with the aldolase DERA in a two-step, one-pot reaction cascade.