Lipase-catalyzed organic reactions have widely been practiced in the past three decades. In addition to its wide acceptance in conventional reactions such as hydrolysis, transesterification, and enantiopure synthesis (kinetic resolution and dynamic kinetic resolution) several reports on the catalytic promiscuity of lipases have also been published. The concept of promiscuity, where lipase catalyzes reactions beyond its natural function, has been perceived as a useful phenomenon which can enhance the utility of lipase as a biocatalyst. Many useful organic reactions such as Aldol condensation, Hantzsch reaction, Canizzaro reaction, Mannich reaction, Baylis-Hillman reaction, Knoevenagel condensation, Michael addition, Ugi reaction, and oxidation catalyzed by lipases have surfaced in the literature. The current review is a critical compilation of such research findings to put forth the synthetic applications of lipase, beyond the orthodox biocatalytic toolbox.
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