Enzymatic cascade synthesis of (S)-2-hydroxycarboxylic amides and acids using a hydroxynitrile lyase, nitrile-active enzymes and an amidase

This review (Journal of Molecular Catalysis B: Enzymatic, 114, 2015, 25–30) by van Rantwijk and Stolz covers the bienzymatic conversion of aldehydes into enantiomerically pure hydroxycarboxylic acids and amides via an enzymatic cascade of hydrocyanation and nitrile hydration/hydrolysis. It compares results obtained via cross-linked enzyme aggregates (CLEAs) as well as whole-cell Escherichia coli expressing two enzymes. It highlights these methods’ potential for yielding near-quantitative yield and ee at synthetically relevant concentrations.