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Updated: Jun 29, 2025
Light-driven Enzymatic Decarboxylation
Published on: May 22, 2016
Biocatalytic Hydrogen-Borrowing Cascade in Organic Synthesis
Zong-Xiao Liu1, Ya-Dong Gao1, Li-Cheng Yang1
1State Key Laboratory of Bioactive Substance and Function of Natural Medicines, Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical College, 100050 Beijing, P. R. China.
Biocatalytic hydrogen borrowing offers an eco-friendly and efficient synthetic route. This method transforms substrates into valuable products using enzyme-catalyzed dehydrogenation and hydrogenation, advancing green chemistry.
Area of Science:
- Biocatalysis
- Green Chemistry
- Organic Synthesis
Background:
- Biocatalytic hydrogen borrowing is an efficient synthetic strategy.
- It utilizes enzyme-catalyzed dehydrogenation and hydrogenation.
- Hydride shuffling between NAD(P)+ and NAD(P)H is central to the process.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review recent advancements in biocatalytic hydrogen borrowing reactions.
- To highlight the potential of this strategy in various chemical transformations.
- To provide insights into future developments in biocatalysis.
Main Methods:
- Encompasses one-pot, two/three-step sequences.
- Involves dehydrogenation and hydrogenation steps.
- Utilizes hydride transfer between NAD(P)+ and NAD(P)H.
Main Results:
- Successful stereoisomer conversion of alcohols.
- Efficient conversion between alcohols and amines.
- Transformation of allylic alcohols to saturated carbonyls and unsaturated aldehydes to carboxylic acids.
Conclusions:
- Biocatalytic hydrogen borrowing is a versatile and environmentally friendly synthetic method.
- It shows significant potential for straightforward and asymmetric synthesis.
- This approach is valuable for fine chemical synthesis and drug development.
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