ChemInform Abstract: Opportunities for Using Enzymes in Organic Synthesis

Abstract

367ChemInform Abstract (31 refs.).

Anaerobic bacterial reductions of aldehydes and ketones: a rapid screening procedure

“…The method therefore promises to be helpful in informing the choice of the most appropriate bacterium wherewith to effect the bioreduction of any particular ketone. 242-247. The ability of micro-organisms, or enzymes derived therefrom, to effect stereoselective syntheses of chiral compounds, is well documented (Butt and Roberts 1987), though the sometimes poor conversion yields and narrow substrate specificities of microbial biocatalysts have hitherto rather limited their commercial applications (Polastro et al 1989). Growing cultures or cell suspensions of anaerobic bacteria are particularly useful in catalysing regio-and stereo-specific bioreductions, especially because their employment avoids the need to supply and recycle expensive electron carrier(s) .…”