The enantiomeric ratio: origin, determination and prediction

The enantiomeric ratio E = (k(cat)(R)/K-m(R))/(k(cat)(S)/K-m(S)) offers a concise representation of the enantioselective properties of an enzyme in reactions that involve chiral compounds. Both as a measure of the intrinsic selectivity of the catalyst, and as a parameter to model the performance of enzymatic processes for the production of enantiopure fine-chemicals, its merits have been well-recognized. Several methods for the determination of E exist. The scope and limitations of these methods are evaluated in terms of accuracy and feasibility. There appears to be no single method that is both reliable and readily applicable in all cases. Complementary methods, however, are available. The outstanding characteristics of the enantiomeric ratio as a quantitative measure of the effects of physical and chemical conditions on the intrinsic enantioselectivity of enzymes are presented in terms of the difference in Gibbs energies of the diastereomeric enzyme-substrate transition states. The prospects of molecular modeling strategies for the prediction of E are discussed. (C) 1997 Elsevier Science Inc.