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.
