This book is intended to give a non-specialist a comprehensive introduction to the science of biotransformations, the practice of harnessing biological catalysts for the preparation of useful fine chemicals such as pharmaceuticals, fragrances and flavours.

This is an introductory text intended to give the non-specialist a comprehensive insight into the science of biotransformations. The book traces the history of biotransformations, clearly spells out the pros and cons of conducting enzyme-mediated versus whole-cell bioconversions, and gives a variety of examples wherein the bio-reaction is a key element in a reaction sequence leading from cheap starting materials to valuable end-products (such as pharmaceuticals and agrochemicals, fragrances and flavours). Biotransformations involving the hydrolysis of esters, amides and nitriles, the synthesis of esters and amides, reduction and oxidation reactions and carbon carbon bond-forming systems are discussed. The book finishes with a discussion of some industrially important large-scale bioconversions.