Volume 21, Issue 8 e202400668
Review

Biomimetic Chemical Reactions with Natural Products Using Metalloporphyrins and Salen Complexes as Catalysts: A Brief Review

Rita C. N. Sousa

Rita C. N. Sousa

Postgraduate Program in Chemistry, Chemistry Institute, Federal University of Rio Grande do Norte, 59078-900 Natal-RN, Brazil

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Vitor P. P. Confessor

Vitor P. P. Confessor

Pharmacy Department, Federal University of Rio Grande do Norte, 59012-570 Natal-RN, Brazil

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Antonio K. B. Da Silva

Antonio K. B. Da Silva

Pharmacy Department, Federal University of Rio Grande do Norte, 59012-570 Natal-RN, Brazil

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Addison R. Almeida

Addison R. Almeida

Postgraduate Program in Chemistry, Chemistry Institute, Federal University of Rio Grande do Norte, 59078-900 Natal-RN, Brazil

Pharmacy Department, Federal University of Rio Grande do Norte, 59012-570 Natal-RN, Brazil

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Francisco A. S. D. Pinheiro

Francisco A. S. D. Pinheiro

Pharmacy Department, Federal University of Rio Grande do Norte, 59012-570 Natal-RN, Brazil

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Leandro S. Ferreira

Corresponding Author

Leandro S. Ferreira

Postgraduate Program in Chemistry, Chemistry Institute, Federal University of Rio Grande do Norte, 59078-900 Natal-RN, Brazil

Pharmacy Department, Federal University of Rio Grande do Norte, 59012-570 Natal-RN, Brazil

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First published: 19 May 2024

Abstract

The cytochrome P450 is a superfamily of hemoproteins mainly present in the liver and are versatile biocatalysts. They participate in the primary metabolism and biosynthesis of various secondary metabolites. Chemical catalysts are utilized to replicate the activities of enzymes. Metalloporphyrins and Salen complexes can contribute to the products’ characterization and elucidate biotransformation processes, which are investigated during pre-clinical trials. These catalysts also help discover biologically active compounds and get better yields of products of industrial interest. This review aims to investigate which natural product classes are being investigated by biomimetic chemical models and the functionalities applied in the use of these catalysts. A limited number of studies were observed, with terpenes and alkaloids being the most investigated natural product classes. The research also revealed that Metalloporphyrins are still the most popular in the studies, and the identity and yield of the products obtained depend on the reaction system conditions.

Graphical Abstract

Conflict of Interests

The authors declare no conflict of interest.

Data Availability Statement

The data that support the findings of this study are available from the corresponding author upon reasonable request.

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