Nicholas J. Turner – författare

The application of biocatalysis in organic synthesis is rapidly gaining popularity amongst chemists. Compared to traditional synthetic methodologies biocatalysis offers a number of advantages in terms of enhanced selectivity (chemo-, regio-, stereo-), reduced environmental impact and lower cost of starting materials. Together these advantages can contribute to more sustainable manufacturing processes across a wide range of industries ranging from pharmaceuticals to biofuels. The biocatalytic toolbox has expanded significantly in the past five years and given the current rate of development of new engineered biocatalysts it is likely that the number of available biocatalysts will double in the next few years. This textbook gives a comprehensive overview of the current biocatalytic toolbox and also establishes new guidelines or rules for “biocatalytic retrosynthesis”. Retrosynthesis is a well known and commonly used technique whereby organic chemists start with the structure of their target molecule and generate potential starting materials and intermediates through a series of retrosynthetic disconnections. These disconnections are then used to devise a forward synthesis, in this case using biocatalytic transformations in some of the key steps. Target molecules are disconnected with consideration for applying biocatalysts, as well as chemical reagents and chemocatalysts, in the forward synthesis direction. Using this textbook, students will be able to place biocatalysis within the context of other synthetic transformations that they have learned earlier in their studies. This additional awareness of biocatalysis will equip students for the modern world of organic synthesis where biocatalysts play an increasingly important role.In addition to guidelines for identifying where biocatalysts can be applied in organic synthesis, this textbook also provides examples of current applications of biocatalysis using worked examples and case studies. Tutorials enable the reader to practice disconnecting target molecules to find the ‘hidden’ biocatalytic reactions which can be applied in the synthetic direction. The book contains a complete description of the current biocatalyst classes that are available for use and also suggests areas where new enzymes are likely to be developed in the next few years. This textbook is an essential resource for lecturers and students studying synthetic organic chemistry. It also serves as a handy reference for practicing chemists who wish to embed biocatalysis into their synthetic toolbox.

The three Science of Synthesis volumes on "Biocatalysis in Organic Synthesis" present a broad contemporary overview on the state-of-the-art in enzymatic methods for asymmetric synthesis suitable for academics and industrial researchers working in the field of organic synthesis. The goal is to start a new wave of enthusiasm for biocatalysis in the broader community and to give an overview of the field. "Biocatalysis in Organic Synthesis" offers critical reviews of organic transformations by experts, including experimental procedures. The organization is based on the type of reaction performed under biocatalysis.

Volume 1 begins with chapters discussing the historical development of the field, sources of enzymes and appropriate selection of catalysts, and general strategies employed in biocatalysis. This is followed by reviews of the biocatalytic hydrolysis of various substrates. The volume concludes with chapters devoted to biocatalytic isomerizations, and the synthesis of glycosides.

The three Science of Synthesis volumes on "Biocatalysis in Organic Synthesis" present a broad contemporary overview on the state-of-the-art in enzymatic methods for asymmetric synthesis suitable for academics and industrial researchers working in the field of organic synthesis. The goal is to start a new wave of enthusiasm for biocatalysis in the broader community and to give an overview of the field. "Biocatalysis in Organic Synthesis" offers critical reviews of organic transformations by experts, including experimental procedures. The organization is based on the type of reaction performed under biocatalysis.

Volume 2 covers reactions involving the formation of C-C bonds. Addition of carbon nucleophiles at C-O and C-N double bonds are reviewed, as are methods for the formation of C-C bonds at arenes and additions to C-C double bonds. Other chapters present transamination and reductive amination reactions, reduction of carbonyl compounds, and the uses of epoxides in biocatalysis.

The three Science of Synthesis volumes on "Biocatalysis in Organic Synthesis" present a broad contemporary overview on the state-of-the-art in enzymatic methods for asymmetric synthesis suitable for academics and industrial researchers working in the field of organic synthesis. The goal is to start a new wave of enthusiasm for biocatalysis in the broader community and to give an overview of the field. "Biocatalysis in Organic Synthesis" offers critical reviews of organic transformations by experts, including experimental procedures. The organization is based on the type of reaction performed under biocatalysis.

Volume 3 begins with oxidation. A chapter on enzyme-catalyzed dihydroxylation is followed by reviews of alkane oxidation. Oxidations of alcohols, carbonyl compounds, and heteroatoms are covered, as are halogenations. The use of biocatalysts in total synthesis, cascade reactions, and large-scale industrial applications is considered. Finally, emerging trends are discussed.