Nuclease p1: a new biocatalyst for direct asymmetric aldol reaction under solvent-free conditions

The unnatural ability of nuclease p1 from Penicillium citrinum was first discovered to catalyze asymmetric aldol reactions between aromatic aldehydes and cyclic ketones under solvent-free conditions. The excellent enantioselectivities of up to 99% ee and high diastereoselectivities of up to >99 : 1 (anti/syn) were achieved. This nuclease p1 catalyzed reaction provided a novel case for new activities of existing enzymes, which widens the applicability of this biocatalyst in organic synthesis.