Photo-enzyme catalysis enabled E Z isomerization of alkenes

A facile and high efficiency photo-enzyme catalysis system for the E to Z isomerization of alkenes has been developed. Using a photo-enzyme hybrid system with good versatility, 43 Z-configurations of alpha, beta-unsaturated esters and stilbenes were synthesized in good yields, in which the highest Z/E ratio was 91:9. This photo-enzyme catalysis system has wide substrate range, mild reaction conditions and simple operation, and it is in line with atom-economic synthesis.