The three Science of Synthesis volumes on "Biocatalysis in Organic Synthesis" are designed to present the new possibilities offered by modern biocatalysis to the nonspecialist academic and industrial readership who are involved in practical organic synthesis. The goal of the reference work is to help start a new wave of enthusiasm for biocatalysis in the broader community and to give an overview of the field. As is the case with all of the Science of Synthesis volumes, "Biocatalysis in Organic Synthesis" offers critical reviews of organic transformations by experts, including typical or general experimental procedures. The content organization of the three volumes is based on the type of reaction performed under biocatalysis.Volume 1 begins with chapters discussing the historical development of the field, sources of enzymes and appropriate selection of catalysts, and general strategies employed in biocatalysis. This is followed by reviews of the biocatalytic hydrolysis of various substrates. The volume concludes with chapters devoted to biocatalytic isomerizations, and the synthesis of glycosides.
