Biocatalytic and biomimetic aminolysis reactions: useful tools for selective transformations on polyfunctional substrates

Aminolysis is a deeply studied reaction, but the development of new catalysts for this process is still an emerging area of organic and bioorganic chemistry. Two different approaches are reviewed in this article: the biomimetic de novo designed synthetic catalysts and the use of natural enzymes. Brief mechanistic considerations are discussed. Some important aspects like chemo-, regio- and stereoselectivity towards the substrates are highlighted on selected examples with synthetic applications.