4: Reverse Hydrolysis

This chapter complements the previous chapter, covering enzymes that catalyse bond forming reactions that produce water as a by-product, the reverse of hydrolysis reactions. The enzyme classes in this chapter are the same as in Chapter 3, and include lipases, esterases, amidases, proteases and acylases. The synthesis of both esters and amides is discussed in more detail in a separate section. Each section begins with a general discussion of the transformation and which enzyme classes are capable of carrying it out. For each individual enzyme class, the scope of substrates that undergo the transformation is presented including a discussion of chemo-, regio- and stereoselectivity where appropriate and strategies for carrying out these reactions. This should give the reader a good understanding of synthesis reactions carried out by hydrolytic enzymes.