Work

Integrating Visible‐Light Photocatalysis and Enzymes for the Stereoselective Synthesis of Alcohols and Amines

Year: 2025

Type: article

Abstract: The stereocontrolled formation of CO and CN bonds is important for the preparation of agrochemicals, pharmaceuticals, fragrances, and flavors. In this field, enzymes have become a valid alternative to transition metal complexes and organocatalysts due to their high degree of stereoselectivity and desirable sustainability features. In this scenario, the increasing interest toward sustainable and efficient chemical processes has also led to the combination of complementary catalytic systems. The merge of biocatalysis and photocatalysis is among the most recent approaches. While photocatalysis allows the production of valuable synthetic intermediates and reactive species under mild conditions, biocatalysis exploits highly specific enzymes to catalyze reactions with high (stereo)‐selectivity and minimal byproduct formation. This review summarizes the progress in photoenzymatic catalysis (also photobiocatalysis), emphasizing their complementary mechanisms in producing chiral alcohols and amines, and highlights how such integration not only enhances the sustainability of catalytic systems but also expands the scope of reactions accessible under milder and ultimately more sustainable conditions.

Source: Advanced Synthesis & Catalysis

DOI: 10.1002/adsc.9603

Authors: Stefano Parisotto, Cristina Prandi

Institution: University of Turin

Language: English

Topic: Enzyme Catalysis and Immobilization

Subfield: Molecular Biology

Field: Biochemistry, Genetics and Molecular Biology

Domain: Life Sciences

Open Access status: hybrid

Estimated APC paid: $4,650

Funders: Dipartimenti di Eccellenza, Università degli Studi di Torino