On the (un)greenness of biocatalysis: Some challenging figures and some promising options

Biocatalysis is generally regarded as a “green” technology. This statement is justified by the mild reaction conditions, the use of aqueous reaction media—with water as the paradigm of green solvents—, and the renewable nature of the biocatalysts. However, researchers making these statements frequently do not take into account the entire picture...

Towards recyclable NAD(P)H regeneration catalysts

Rh(III)-TsDPEN, an immobilized analog of the well-known [Cp*Rh(bpy)(H2O)]2+ was evaluated as a heterogeneous, recyclable regeneration catalyst for reduced oxidoreductase cofactors [NAD(P)H]. Repeated use of this catalyst was established and the catalytic properties were initially investigated. Apparently, Rh(III)-TsDPEN is prone to severe...

Enzyme Initiated Radical Polymerizations

Biocatalysis is propagating into practically every area of organic chemistry, amongst them radical polymerizations. A review of the recent developments of this dynamic and quickly evolving area of research is presented together with a critical evaluation of its potential to yield novel polymers and/or environmentally more benign synthetic...