Enantioselective Chemo- and Biocatalysis: Partners in Retrosynthesis

Abstract

Recent developments of stereoselective biocatalytic and chemocatalytic methods are discussed. The review provides a guide to the use of biocatalytic methods in the area of chemical synthesis with focused attention on retrosynthetic considerations and analysis. The transformations presented are organized according to bond disconnections and attendant synthetic methods. The review is expected to lead to better understanding of the characteristics and distinctions of the two complementary approaches. It depicts for researchers in bio- and chemocatalysis a road map of challenges and opportunities for the evolution (and at times revolution) in chemical synthesis.

Keywords: biocatalysis; catalysis; enantioselectivity; retrosynthesis.