Catalytic Galactose Oxidase Models: Biomimetic Cu(II)-Phenoxyl-Radical Reactivity

Abstract

Biomimetic functional models of the mononuclear copper enzyme galactose oxidase are presented that catalytically oxidize benzylic and allylic alcohols to aldehydes with O₂ under mild conditions. The mechanistic fidelity between the models and the natural system is pronounced. Modest structural mimicry proves sufficient to transfer an unusual ligand-based radical mechanism, previously unprecedented outside the protein matrix, to a simple chemical system.