Biocatalytic Imine Reduction and Reductive Amination of Ketones

Chiral amines represent a prominent functional group in pharmaceuticals and agrochemicals and are hence attractive targets for asymmetric synthesis. Since the pharmaceutical industry has identified biocatalysis as a valuable tool for synthesising chiral molecules with high enantiomeric excess and under mild reaction conditions, enzymatic methods for chiral amine synthesis are increasing in importance. Among the strategies available in this context, the asymmetric reduction of imines by NAD(P)H-dependent enzymes and the related reductive amination of ketones have long remained underrepresented. However, recent years have witnessed an impressive progress in the application of natural or engineered imine-reducing enzymes, such as imine reductases, opine dehydrogenases, amine dehydrogenases, and artificial metalloenzymes. This review provides a comprehensive overview of biocatalytic imine reduction and reductive amination of ketones, highlighting the natural roles, substrate scopes, structural features, and potential application fields of the involved enzymes.