Requires non-heme-Fe(II). Isolated from some bacteria including Streptomyces hygroscopicus and Streptomyces viridochromogenes. The pro-R hydrogen at C-2 of the ethyl group is retained by the formate ion. Any stereochemistry at C-1 of the ethyl group is lost. One atom from dioxygen is present in each product. Involved in phosphinothricin biosynthesis.