Stereo- and regioselective hydroxylation of grindelic acid derivatives by Aspergillus niger.

Stereo- and regioselective hydroxylation of grindelane derivatives on position 3beta was catalyzed by cultures of Aspergillus niger. Grindelic acid (1), methyl grindelate (2), 15-hydroxy-7(8)-en-9alpha,13(S)-oxide-ent-labdane (3) and 7alpha,8alpha-epoxymethylgrindelate (4) were bioconverted into the corresponding 3beta-hydroxy derivatives as the only biotransformation products. 13(S),15-dihydroxy-8(9)-en-ent-labdane (5) remained unreacted under the same conditions. The conformational and electronic studies of the substrates are discussed.