Transformations of phosphonates by non‐heme iron‐dependent oxygenases

Abstract

Organophosphonates (Pns) comprise a prominent class of natural products that is defined by a highly stable C‐P bond. The biochemistry of Pns has evolved into two worlds, with one dedicated to synthesizing the C−P bond and incorporating this motif into complex bioactive molecules, while the other seeks to cleave the C−P bond to release inorganic phosphate, a life limiting nutrient. Non‐heme iron‐dependent oxygenases play important roles in both biosynthetic and catabolic Pn pathways. This presentation will cover recent advances in elucidating new functions of such enzymes in the oxidation of C‐P and C‐H bonds in Pns.