Biotransformation of 10-Hydroxygeraniol and Related Compounds by a Cell Suspension Culture of Catharanthus roseus: The Formation of Reduced Products

Abstract

The biotransformation of 10-hydroxygeraniol and several closely related compounds by a cell suspension culture of Catharanthus roseus, employing a variety of protocols, was studied. The major products obtained from 10-hydroxygeraniol were: 10-hydroxylinalool, 10-hydroxy-citronellol, 7,8-dihydro-10-hydroxygeraniol, dihydrocitronellol, and 7,8-dihydro-10-hydroxylinalool. The relative proportions of products was dependent on the protocol used. Biotransformation of C-1 dideuterated 10-hydroxygeraniol led to the production of reduced products which were mono-deuterated. Biotransformation of 8-hydroxy-7,8-dihydrogeraniol afforded (-)-8-hydroxy-7,8-dihydrocitronellol while (+)-10-hydroxycitronellol was reduced to afford a mixture of diastereomers.