Biotransformations in Organic Chemistry

This well-established textbook on biocatalysis provides a basis for undergraduate and graduate courses in modern organic chemistry, as well as a condensed introduction into this field. After a basic introduction into the use of biocatalysts-principles of stereoselective transformations, enzyme properties and kinetics-the different types of reactions are explained according to the 'reaction principle', such as hydrolysis, reduction, oxidation, C-C bond formation, etc. Special techniques, such as the use of enzymes in organic solvents, immobilization techniques, artificial enzymes and the design of cascade-reactions are treated in a separate section. A final chapter deals with the basic rules for the safe and practical handling of biocatalysts.

In this 7th edition new topics have been introduced which include alcohol and amine oxidases, amine dehydrogenases, imine reductases, haloalkane dehalogenases, ATP-independent phosphorylation, Michael-additions and cascade reactions. This new edition also emphasizes the use of enzymes in industrial biotransformations with practical examples.

Introduction. - Common Prejudices Against Enzymes. - Advantages and Disadvantages of Biocatalysts. Enzyme Properties and Nomenclature. - Biocatalytic Applications: Hydrolytic Reactions. - Reduction Reactions. - Oxidation Reactions. - Formation of Carbon-Carbon Bonds. - Addition and Elimination Reactions. - Transfer Reactions. - Halogenation and Dehalogenation Reactions. - Special Techniques: Enzymes in Organic Solvents. - Cascade Reactions. - Immobilization. - Artificial and Modified Enzymes. - State of the Art and Outlook. - Appendix: Basic Rules for Handling Biocatalysts. - Abbreviations. - Suppliers of Enzymes. - Commonly Used Enzyme Preparations. - Major Culture Collections. - Pathogenic Bacteria and Fungi. - Index.