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Enzymes have been widely used as efficient, eco-friendly, and biodegradable catalysts in organic chemistry due to their mild reaction conditions and high selectivity and efficiency. In recent years, the catalytic promiscuity of many enzymes in unnatural reactions has been revealed and studied by chemists and biochemists, which has expanded the application potential of enzymes. To enhance the selectivity and activity of enzymes in their natural or promiscuous reactions, many methods have been recommended, such as protein engineering, process engineering, and media engineering. Among them, the additive approach is very attractive because of its simplicity to use and high efficiency. In this paper, we will review the recent developments about the applications of additives to improve the catalytic performances of enzymes in their natural and promiscuous reactions. These additives include water, organic bases, water mimics, cosolvents, crown ethers, salts, surfactants, and some particular molecular additives.

A facile and simple route for the direct preparation of substituted 3-methylcyclohex-2-enone via Aldol-Robinson cascade reaction of aldehydes and acetones catalyzed by the new catalytic system of L-lysine/imidazole in n-heptane with 0.5% water was reported. A variety of substrates can participate in the process efficiently. The merits of this method included inexpensive and easily available starting materials and catalyst, the good yield of products and the straightforward work-up.