Asymmetric bioreduction of activated alkenes to industrially relevant optically active compounds

► Activated CC bonds bearing electron-withdrawing groups are efficiently reduced by flavoproteins from the OYE family. ► The application of ene-reductases for the pharma- and perfumery industry has been demonstrated. ► Access to both stereoisomeric products is feasible by choice of stereo-complementary enzymes or via proper substrate engineering.