Current Organic Chemistry - Volume 4, Issue 3, 2000

Cytochrome P450 monooxygenases (P450s; EC 1.14.14.1) catalyze a variety of oxidations, although they are best known for hydroxylations and olefin epoxidations. Such enzymes also might be useful in asymmetric synthesis since different forms accept aromatic polycyclic hydro-carbons, prochiral and chiral olefins with a variety of aromatic and aliphatic substituents. This review summarizes all of the synthetically-relevant Read More

Even though the use of enzymes as catalyst in synthetic organic chemistry is widespread, their application in C-C- bond-forming reactions is still poor. There are several types of enzymes that catalyze C-C bond formation and the most used are the most readily available. Currently, the availability of these enzymes is increasing. This review will cover synthetic applications of three types of enzymes related to three differe Read More

This review covers recent progress in the use of chiral Lewis acid catalysts in ene-reactions which involve carbonyl and imine compounds as enophiles. Chiral Lewis acid catalysts containing aluminum, titanium, ytterbium and copper are critically reviewed. Synthetic applications of recent systems are specifically discussed.

This review covers recent developments in the area of morphine synthesis and biosynthesis. Literature is reviewed since the publication of the last major review. The first part of the chapter discusses recent advancements in biosynthesis of morphine alkaloids. Total syntheses published since 1996 are reviewed next and the third section discusses all published approaches to morphine skeleton. At the end of the of the chapter, Read More