4.6.1.2 The Strecker Synthesis

The condensation of aldehydes with amine gives imine that can undergo reaction with cyanide ion in situ to give an α -aminonitrile which on hydrolysis gives α -amino acid. For mechanism see 4.3.1.4.

 

4.6.1.3 Bucherer-Bergs Reaction

Ketones proceed reaction with ammonium carbonate in presence of cyanide ion to afford hydantoin that could be hydrolyzed to α -amino acid.

Mechanism

Examples: