Biocatalysts in Organic Synthesis

The fundamental problem in modern organic synthesis is the selectivity of preparative organic reactions. This book reflects the recent growth of interest in the use of biocatalysts to attain high chemo-, regio- and particularly, stereoselectivity. Enantiomerically pure compounds are required as building blocks for the synthesis of many new agrochemicals, drugs, or as bioorganic models and probes. The first two chapters are devoted to a brief description of basic properties of various forms of biocatalysts: free and immobilized enzymes, free and immobilized microbial cells and other biopreparations, e.g., monoclonal antibodies. The third chapter deals with different levels of selectivity of biocatalyzed reactions. Attention is paid mainly to the differentiation of enantiomers, enantiotopic groups and faces. The remaining six chapters cover particular types of organic reactions and some 939 references from recent original papers are given. These include substitution reactions, eliminations and additions, synthesis and hydrolysis of esters and amides, oxidations and reductions.
Chemists specializing in the synthesis of new biologically active compounds, such as drugs, pesticides, insecticides, insect pheromones, food and cosmetic additives, etc., will find this book of immense value. The book will also be useful as a supplementary textbook for university graduate students taking courses on organic synthesis or bioorganic chemistry.
 
The fundamental problem in modern organic synthesis is the selectivity of preparative organic reactions. This book reflects the recent growth of interest in the use of biocatalysts to attain high chemo-, regio- and particularly, stereoselectivity. Enantiomerically pure compounds are required as building blocks for the synthesis of many new agrochemicals, drugs, or as bioorganic models and probes. The first two chapters are devoted to a brief description of basic properties of various forms of biocatalysts: free and immobilized enzymes, free and immobilized microbial cells and other biopreparations, e.g., monoclonal antibodies. The third chapter deals with different levels of selectivity of biocatalyzed reactions. Attention is paid mainly to the differentiation of enantiomers, enantiotopic groups and faces. The remaining six chapters cover particular types of organic reactions and some 939 references from recent original papers are given. These include substitution reactions, eliminations and additions, synthesis and hydrolysis of esters and amides, oxidations and reductions.
Chemists specializing in the synthesis of new biologically active compounds, such as drugs, pesticides, insecticides, insect pheromones, food and cosmetic additives, etc., will find this book of immense value. The book will also be useful as a supplementary textbook for university graduate students taking courses on organic synthesis or bioorganic chemistry.