Abstract
Recently, organic syntheses are directed toward very complex compounds and hence the development of highly selective reactions is required. Thus, it becomes increasingly important to utilize enzymatic reactions as key steps in organic synthesis. This article reviews the recent topics in microbial and enzymatic oxidations of organic compounds and their application to the synthesis of physiologically active compounds. The application of the biological systems are classified into types of reactions including, a) oxidation of saturated C-H bonds, b) oxidation of unsaturated bonds, c) oxidation of alcohols, d) oxidation of sulfides. Emphasis is placed to the chemo-, regio-, and stereo-selectivities of the reactions. Reductive reactions containing C-C bond formations are also described briefly.
