10: Biocatalytic Disconnections and Functional Group Interconversions

This chapter introduces the idea of developing a structured approach to the disconnection of target molecules based on biocatalytic retrosynthesis. The reader will be guided through the various disconnections that are possible, both for acyclic and cyclic systems, in order to gain an understanding of where biocatalysts can be applied in organic synthesis. The various disconnections possible are organised into one of five different groups: (i) acyclic systems: substituted alcohols, amines, carboxylic acids, ketones etc. (1 functional group); (ii) acyclic systems: 1,2-, 1,3-, and 1,4-diols, hydroxycarbonyls, dicarbonyls etc. (2 functional groups); (iii) 4-, 5-, 6-, and 7-membered carbocyclic rings; (iv) 4-, 5-, 6-, and 7-membered rings containing one or more heteroatoms; (v) substituted aromatic and heteroaromatic rings.