SUBSTRATE-SPECIFICITY AND CARBOHYDRATE SYNTHESIS USING TRANSKETOLASE

This paper describes the use of the enzyme transketolase as a catalyst in organic synthesis. The properties of transketolase from both yeast and spinach were investigated. The yeast enzyme was found to be more convenient for routine use. Examination of the substrate specificity of yeast transketolase demonstrated that the enzyme accepts a wide variety of 2-hydroxy aldehydes as substrates. A practical protocol for transketolase-catalyzed condensation of hydroxypyruvic acid with these aldehydes has been developed and used for the synthesis of four carbohydrates: L-idose, L-gulose, 2-deoxy-L-xylohexose, and L-xylose.