Synlett 2009(20): 3225-3236  
DOI: 10.1055/s-0029-1218305
ACCOUNT
© Georg Thieme Verlag Stuttgart ˙ New York

Artificial Metalloenzymes: Combining the Best Features of Homogeneous and Enzymatic Catalysis

Anca Pordeaa, Thomas R. Ward*a,b
a Institute of Chemistry, University of Neuchatel, Avenue Bellevaux 51, CP 158, 2009 Neuchatel, Switzerland
b Department of Chemistry, University of Basel, Spitalgasse 51, 4056 Basel, Switzerland
Fax: +41(61)271005; e-Mail: thomas.ward@unibas.ch;
Further Information

Publication History

Received 20 May 2009
Publication Date:
21 October 2009 (online)

Abstract

By combining homogeneous with enzymatic catalysis, artificial metalloenzymes offer new perspectives for conferring unnatural activities to biomolecules. The article reassembles the important advances in the field of these hybrid catalysts and summarizes the contributions of our group to this continuously growing field of research.

1 Introduction

2 Artificial Enzymes: State of the Art

2.1 De Novo Enzyme Design

2.2 Hybrid Catalysts

3 Scope of Artificial Metalloenzymes

3.1 Alkene Hydrogenation

3.2 Hydrogenation of Ketones by Hydride Transfer

3.3 Oxidation

3.4 Hydrolysis

3.5 Hydroformylation

3.6 Diels-Alder Reaction

3.7 Allylic Alkylation

4 Conclusion