Biocatalytic Synthesis of Chiral Amines Using Oxidoreductases

The synthesis of chiral amines is a challenge that has been met by biocatalysis. The exquisite control imparted by biocatalysts has delivered a toolbox of new methods that can be used to produce one of the most important moieties in bioactive molecules. One particular class of enzymes that offers a plethora of methods for amine synthesis is the oxidoreductases. This chapter will discuss the discovery, enzyme engineering, and synthetic applications of three oxidoreductase enzymes: amine oxidases, amine dehydrogenases, and imine reductases. Over the past decade, all three of these enzymes have become some of the most important in the biosynthesis of biologically relevant intermediates and products, with the focus of this discussion on how they have been applied in synthesis. Also discussed is how these enzymes have been combined in multi‐(chemo)enzymatic cascade reactions, providing a glimpse of the future of (bio)synthesis.