Abstract
The present state of enzyme catalysis and the prospects for its introduction in organic synthesis are examined. The physicochemical approaches whereby the yield of the desired product can be increased under conditions favourable for biocatalysis (at the optimum of the catalytic activity and stability of the enzyme) are analysed. Together with classical equilibrium and kinetic preparative methods, the thermodynamic features and general methodological aspects of a new approach – enzymatic synthesis in two-phase systems comprising water and a water-immiscible organic solvent – are discussed in detail.
The bibliography includes 170 references.