Selective Biocatalytic Michael Addition Reactions

Selective and catalytic Michael addition reactions are highly valuable transformations in various domains of chemical and biological sciences and key methods for the sustainable synthesis of more complex compounds from two simpler starting compounds. High atom economy is achieved by forming two novel bonds and by the conversion of a double bond into a single bond without releasing any small molecules. Michael additions can be achieved by various nucleophiles acting as Michael donors and by using different activated olefines which can act as Michael acceptors. Since its discovery Michael addition reactions have become one of the key carbon-carbon bond formation reactions, which have also been called Carba-Michael addition reactions. In addition, different types of Hetero-Michael addition reactions are of much interest. Replacing stoichiometric by catalytic reactions, and moving towards diastereoselective and enantioselective Michael Addition reactions improves the resource efficiency and sustainability of Michael addition reactions. Biocatalytic Michael addition reactions are not only important stereoselective transformations occurring in metabolic pathways in nature, but can also be utilized for the efficient and ecofriendly synthesis of a large range of small molecules. A straightforward biocatalytic one-step reaction can thereby replace challenging and lengthy synthetic routes consisting of multiple reaction steps.