title: Enantioselective Michael addition of water.
abstract: The enantioselective Michael addition using water as both nucleophile and solvent has to date proved beyond the ability of synthetic chemists. Herein, the direct, enantioselective Michael addition of water in water to prepare important β-hydroxy carbonyl compounds using whole cells of Rhodococcus strains is described. Good yields and excellent enantioselectivities were achieved with this method. Deuterium labeling studies demonstrate that a Michael hydratase catalyzes the water addition exclusively with anti-stereochemistry.
authors.affiliation: Technische Universiteit Delft, Gebouw voor Scheikunde, Afdeling Biotechnologie, Julianalaan 136, 2628 BL Delft (Netherlands).
authors.forename: Bi-Shuang
authors.initials: BS
authors.lastname: Chen
authors.forename: Verena
authors.initials: V
authors.lastname: Resch
authors.forename: Linda G
authors.initials: LG
authors.lastname: Otten
authors.forename: Ulf
authors.initials: U
authors.lastname: Hanefeld
keywords: Michael addition; biocatalysis; enantioselectivity; hydratases; water