Advances in application of reductases in carbonyl asymmetric reduction

As one of the most promising synthesis approaches to optically active alcohols,the asymmetric reduction of the corresponding prochiral ketones was a hotspot in the organic synthesis.Compared with traditional chemical methods,a biocatalytic method with reductases had outstanding advantages for stereo-and regio-selectivity,reaction condition and environmental-friendliness as well.The source and the form of the enzyme were introduced.The advance in application of the reductase in the form of whole cells and purified enzymes in asymmetrical synthesis of chiral drugs was also reviewed.