Asymmetric bioreduction of α,β-unsaturated nitriles and ketones

Two applications for the asymmetric reduction of activated alkenes employing isolated enoate reductases are reported. A series of alpha,beta-unsturated nitriles were shown to be converted to the optically active nitrile products in high yields and excellent enantioselectivities (up to 99% ee). In addition, the reduction of 2,3-disubstituted cyclopenteriones was shown to provide almost exclusively trans-2,3-disubstituted cyclopentanones in high yield and enantiopurity (94% ee). (C) 2008 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.