Enzymes in Synthetic Organic Chemistry

Stanley M. RobertsIn summary this is an important text book written by two persons with outstanding reputations in the field. For a scientist working in the area it is like a good novel - having started to read it you cannot put it down. However, perhaps more importantly, it will serve as an excellent introduction for those persons wishing to get the flavour of the various techniques.SynthesisAlan WisemanThis unique and outstanding book presents a well-documented review of the use of enzymes in recognised areas of organic syntheses.... The wealth of detail is remarkable, and use of the subject index provides access to methods of bioconversion within each category covered by the five chapters. This book is highly recommended to organic chemists who wish to adopt biocatalysts to achieve synthetic specifications, and who require some background information in applied enzymology and enzyme biotechnology.Chemistry amp; IndustryC.L. WillisTransformations based on enzymatic catalysis are providing an increasingly valuable component of the methodology of enantioselective synthesis. The advantages of using biocatalysts include relatively low cost, mild reaction conditions, and good yields of products with high enantiomeric excesses. In this book, 'Enzymes in Synthetic Organic Chemistry', Chi-Huey Wong and George Whitesides have succeeded in producing an extremely valuable reference text to this area of catalysis.... In this book, Wong and Whitesides have clearly described the value of biocatalysts to effect a broad range of organic transformations on a synthetically useful scale. In addition they have brought to the attention of the reader some of the potential problems to be considered in the use of enzymes in synthesis. I highly recommend this text not only as an excellent introduction to those who are making their first venture into the use of biocatalysts in their research but also as a valuable reference guide to experts in this field.Natural Product ReportsCarl R. Johnson, Wayne State UniversityThis book is thorough, up-to-date, highly readable, and very instructive for both novices and experienced practitioners in this rapidly growing area of chemistry. The authors, noted for their outstanding practical advances in the applications of enzymes in synthetic chemistry, have provided insight and encouraging commentary on harnessing the remarkable power of these natural catalysts in synthetic endeavors.... This book is by far the best effort to date for those interested in using enzymes in the context of organic syntheses. This economical paperback is recommended for personal and library collections and as a text for a special topics course.Journal American Chemical SocietyD.D. PetkovThe book of Wong and Whitesides represents an outstanding contribution to literature for Laboratories working on organic and bio-organic synthesis. This book belongs on every bio-organic chemist's bookshelf as well.Bulgarian Chemical Communications Vol 27, Number 1John LambertVolume 12 In the Tetrahedron Organic Chemistry Series is, like its predeccessors, an excellent text providing both specialist and general information. As the use of enzymes in organic synthesis becomes more commonplace, this book by two widely acknowledged authorities in the area is a welcomed condensation of much of the literature to date... This book is thorough, well referenced well presented and as such is highly recommended to both libraries and individuals. It is an honest account of the strengths and limitations of enzymes in organic chemistry and strongly supports the notion that enzymes can be simply considered as alternative synthetic reagents, allowing expansion of the currently available amoury of the synthetic organic chemist.Chemistry in Australia

• Chapter headings: General Aspects. Use of Hydrolytic Enzymes: Amidases, Proteases, Esterases, Lipases, Nitrilases, Phosphatases, Epoxide Hydrolases. Oxidoreductions. C-C Bond Formation. Synthesis of Glycoside Bonds. Addition, Elimination and Other Group Transfer Reactions (Phosphoryl-, Methyl-, Sulpho- and Amino-Transfer Reactions).