Abstract Small and chiral secondary alcohols are sought‐after compounds that are frequently used in the synthesis of biologically active compounds. However, their stereochemically correct synthesis remains a challenge for the chemical industry. Synthetic routes are restrained by multiple steps and thus low atom efficiency. Here we employ engineered variants from the oleate hydratase from E. meningoseptica to produce chiral C5‐C8 secondary alcohols within a single step. First, we established a two‐phase system (2‐P…

Abstract Terminally hydrated terpenes are highly sought‐after compounds in the flavor and fragrance industries. However, their selective synthesis remains a considerable challenge in catalysis. Regioselective hydration of non‐activated C─C double bonds is typically hindered by poor selectivity and low atom efficiency in conventional methods. In this study, we harness the underexplored potential of the acyclic carotenoid 1,2‐hydratase from Rubrivivax gelatinosus IL144, employing it as a whole‐cell biocatalyst for c…

The regioselective hydration of carbon–carbon double bonds to generate alcohols is a fundamental reaction in synthetic organic chemistry, offering pathways to valuable secondary and tertiary alcohols. Biocatalysis using hydratase enzymes, which add water to a double bond, provides a selective and sustainable alternative to traditional chemical methods. This study investigates the potential of Escherichia coli to hydrate the monoterpene geraniol in whole-cell biotransformation systems. Through a targeted knockout a…

Abstract Terminally hydrated terpenes are highly sought‐after compounds in the flavor and fragrance industries. However, their selective synthesis remains a considerable challenge in catalysis. Regioselective hydration of non‐activated C─C double bonds is typically hindered by poor selectivity and low atom efficiency in conventional methods. In this study, we harness the underexplored potential of the acyclic carotenoid 1,2‐hydratase from Rubrivivax gelatinosus IL144, employing it as a whole‐cell biocatalyst for c…