Elimination Reactions of Esters in the Biosynthesis of Polyketides and Ribosomal Peptides

Enoyl intermediates are normally obtained through β-elimination of β-hydroxy carbonyl compounds. The OH group is eliminated either directly or is first activated through phosphorylation. Alternative strategies have now been identified: Glutamination or acetylation of a β-hydroxycarbonyl compound followed by β-elimination of an ester was proven to be a key step in the biosynthesis of class I lantipeptide and tetronate antibiotics.