Photo-enzyme catalysis enabled E → Z isomerization of alkenes

A facile and high efficiency photo-enzyme catalysis system for the E to Z isomerization of alkenes has been developed. Using a photo-enzyme hybrid system with good versatility, 43 Z-configurations of alpha, beta-unsaturated esters and stilbenes were synthesized in good yields, in which the highest Z/E ratio was 91:9. This photo-enzyme catalysis system has wide substrate range, mild reaction conditions and simple operation, and it is in line with atom-economic synthesis.

Automated summary

A facile and high efficiency photo-enzyme catalysis system has been developed for the E to Z isomerization of alkenes. The system showed good versatility and achieved synthesis of 43 Z-configurations of alpha, beta-unsaturated esters and stilbenes in good yields, with the highest Z/E ratio being 91:9. The photo-enzyme catalysis system has wide substrate range, mild reaction conditions, simple operation, and is in line with atom-economic synthesis.