Merging Whole‐cell Biosynthesis of Styrene and Transition‐metal Catalyzed Derivatization Reactions

The approach of combining enzymatic and transition-metal catalysis has been focused almost exclusively on using purified, isolated enzymes. use whole-cell biocatalysis, instead enzymes, with catalysis, however, investigated only sparsely to date. Herein we present the development two catalyzed reactions used derivatize styrene obtained from biosynthesis. Using a biocompatible ruthenium cross-metathesis catalyst up 1.5 mM stilbene could be in presence E. coli, which simultaneously produced styrene. palladium catalysts arylboronic acids, titers 1 several derivatives were obtained. These are valuable additions toolbox combined biocatalysis offering possibility supplement biosynthetic pathways chemical versatility abiological catalysis.