Regioselective Enzymatic Carboxylation of Phenols and Hydroxystyrene Derivatives

The enzymatic carboxylation of phenol and styrene derivatives using (de)carboxylases in carbonate buffer proceeded in a highly regioselective fashion: Benzoic acid (de)carboxylases selectively formed <i>o</i>-hydroxybenzoic acid derivatives, phenolic acid (de)carboxylases selectively acted at the β-carbon atom of styrenes forming (<i>E</i>)-cinnamic acids