Cover Picture: Enzymatic Late‐Stage Modifications: Better Late Than Never (Angew. Chem. Int. Ed. 31/2021)

Abstract

Biocatalytic late‐stage modifications offer attractive methods to selectively functionalise complex molecules. Amidst an ever‐growing number of enzymes, modular toolboxes of enzymatic transformations have been made available in synthesis today. Vast sets of biocatalysts are able to address manifold diversifications of interest, e.g., applied for drug development. In their Review on page 16824, Nicholas J. Turner, Christian Schnepel et al. discuss the present array of enzymatic late‐stage modification.

Asymmetric Bio‐epoxidation of Unactivated Alkenes

“…Cytochrome P450 monooxygenase belongs to the hemethiolate protein superfamily, which are widely distributed in animals, plants, and microorganisms. [48][49][50][51] P450s catalyze the reductive activation of molecular oxygen, using the heme-iron porphyrin center to transfer one oxygen atom from molecular oxygen to organic molecules (Scheme 3) . [52] Although naturally derived P450 monooxygenases are less selective as epoxidation catalysts, their catalytic activity and selectivity can be improved by protein engineering techniques, and can even realize the oxidation reaction of various substrates, thus becoming an important supplementary strategy to chemical transformation.…”