Biocatalysis

Traditional methods of oxidizing alcohols often rely on toxic reagents, as well as high pressures and temperatures, which can be hazardous. In contrast, biocatalysis utilizes enzymes as natural and non-toxic catalysts, typically under milder reaction conditions. This study aims to perform oxidation reactions of primary and secondary alcohols using enzymes as catalysts.

Carbohydrate mimetics play vital roles in various cell-mediated processes due to their structural resemblance to natural sugars, yet they exhibit distinct properties. Thioglycosides, in which an exocyclic oxygen atom is replaced by sulfur, are recognized as key building blocks in the preparation of glycans and the development of novel monosaccharides. These compounds serve as valuable intermediates in carbohydrate chemistry, being widely utilized in sequential glycosylation strategies for oligosaccharide synthesis.

Key points

• Biocatalysis refers to the use of natural catalysts, such as protein enzymes, to conduct chemical reactions. 
• These biocatalysts are particularly advantageous in chemical processes because they combine the selectivity of directing groups and the efficiency of catalysts into single reagents. 
• Enzymes can also be combined with other enzymes in one-pot reactions, allowing for complex multi-step syntheses.