Advances in the chemoenzymatic synthesis of gamma-aminobutyric acid derivatives

Abstract:

Gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) derivatives are a class of effective inhibitory neurotransmitters for treating neurodegenerative diseases, with an immense market demand. Chemical methods are currently the main synthetic strategies for GABA derivatives, facing challenges such as complex processes, low yields, low atom economy, and environmental burden. In recent years, chemoenzymatic synthesis of GABA derivatives has garnered increasing attention because of the high atom economy, high yields, and environmental friendliness. This article reviews the latest advances in the chemical synthesis and chemoenzymatic synthesis of GABA derivatives. Furthermore, it introduces the progress in the industrial synthesis of representative GABA derivatives such as gabapentin, pregabalin, and brivaracetam and prospects the future development of GABA derivatives.