This book summarizes the state-of-the-art knowledge on naturally occurring organohalogens, of which more than 3700 are documented. The chapters cover all aspects of this field, including the structural diversity and sources of organohalogens, the mechanisms for their formation and biodegradation, the clinical use of dichloroacetate, and the synthesis of the powerful anticancer chlorine-containing cryptophycin. Both biogenic and abiogenic sources of organohalogens are treated, the latter of which include volcanic emissions and abiogenic formation in soil. Halogenation in humans, fungi, and in the ocean are covered in separate chapters. Sources and biosynthesis of the relatively rare natural organofluorines are also discussed in this volume. By better understanding of the role nature plays in the area of organohalogens, we can more intelligently regulate the production, use, and disposal of man-made organohalogen compounds.

Contrary to general belief, natural organochlorine and organobromine compounds are widespread in the environment This book addresses the diversity of these natural halogenated compounds, their routes of information and biodegradation, and the role they play in our biosphere.

Klappentext

This book summarizes the state-of-the art knowledge on naturally occurring organohalogens, of which more than 3700 are documented. The chapters cover all aspects of this field, including the structural diversity and sources of organohalogens, the mechanisms for their formation and biodegradation, the clinical use of dichloroacetate, and synthesis of the powerful anticancer chlorine-containing cryptophycin. Both biogenic and abiogenic sources of organohalogens are treated, and the latter include volcanic emissions and abiogenic formation in soil. Halogenation in humans, fungi, and in the ocean are covered in separate chapters. Sources and biosynthesis of the relatively rare natural organofluorines are also discussed in this volume. Only with a better understanding of the role nature plays in the area of organohalogens can we regulate the production, use, and disposal of man-made organohalogen compounds more intelligently .

Inhalt
Gordon W. Gribble: The Diversity of Naturally Occurring Organohalogen Compounds.- David Harper and J.T.G Hamilton: The Global Cycles of the Naturally Occurring Monohalomethanes.- Gunilla Öberg: The Biogeochemistry of Chlorine in Soil.- Heinfried F. Schöler and Frank Keppler: Abiotic Formation of Organohalogens During Early Diagenetic Processes.- Robert M. Moore: Marine Sources of Volatile Organohalogens.- Jim A. Field and Johannes B.P.A Wijnberg: An Update on Organohalogen Metabolites Produced by Basidiomycetes.- Armin Jordan: Volcanic Formation of Halogenated Organic Compounds.- David Harper, David O'Hagan and C.D. Murphy: Fluorinated Natural Products: Occurrence and Biosynthesis.- Karl-Heinz van Pée and Susanne Zehner: Enzymology and Molecular Genetics of Biological Halogenation.- Jeffrey P. Henderson and Jay W. Heinecke: Myeloperoxidase and Eosinophil Peroxidase: Phagocyte Enzymes for Biohalogenation in Humans.- Chandramohan V. Ammini and Peter W. Stacpoole: Biotransformation, Toxicology and Pharmacogenetics of Dichloroacetate.- Charles E. Castro: The Natural Destruction of Organohalogen Compounds. Environmental Dehalogenation.- Marcus A. Tius: Cryptophycin Synthesis.