Pyrroloquinoline quinone (PQQ) is an important cofactor of methanol dehydrogenases
and glycose dehydrogenases. In addition, isolated PQQ is used as a central component
in sensors and biomimetic complexes. The synthesis of PQQ derivatives is of interest
for developing new alcohol oxidation catalysts and redox sensors. This work describes
a modular synthesis for derivatives of PQQ bearing methyl and ketone groups instead
of carboxylic acid moieties. These modifications reduce the possible coordination
sites of PQQ for metal ions outside the protein environment.
Key words
redox cofactor - pyrroloquinoline quinone - alcohol oxidation - pincer ligand - natural
product derivatives
