Biocatalysis for organic synthesis

Abstract

This special issue is focused on the advantages of using biocatalytic systems in different areas of organic chemistry. Enzymes show high versatility and exquisite selectivities (chemo-, regio- and stereoselectivity). Resolution of racemates, desymmetrization of meso- and prochiral compounds, oxidations, reductions, C-C bond forming reactions and other miscellaneous reactions have been performed, illustrating the most characteristic aspects of environmentally friendly and yield-effective production of commodity chemicals, stereospecific building blocks or enantiopure pharmaceutical intermediates, and competitive step-replacement strategies for asymmetric syntheses. Emerging technologies for biocatalyst design and optimization based on protein chemistry or immobilization techniques substantially broadened the number of enzymes applicable for biocatalysis (by altering their properties such as activity or enantioselectivity in a particular biotransformation).