Directed evolution of enantioselective hybrid catalysts: a novel concept in asymmetric catalysis

The concept of directed evolution of enantioselective hybrid catalysts was proposed in 2001/2002 and implemented experimentally for the first time in a proof-of-concept study in 2006. The idea is based on directed evolution, which comprises repeating cycles of random gene mutagenesis/expression/screening in a Darwinistic sense for the purpose of improving the catalytic profile of enzymes. In the case of hybrid catalysts, mutagenesis/expression of a protein is first performed with formation of a library of mutants, which are then modified chemically en masse with the introduction of an appropriate achiral ligand system harboring a transition metal. Screening these mutant hybrid catalysts in a given transition metal-catalyzed reaction then leads to an improved catalyst, so that the corresponding gene can be used to start another evolutionary cycle. This process can be repeated as often as needed until the desired catalytic profile has been reached, e.g., enhanced enantioselectivity.