12.7.2 The Strecker Synthesis

The condensation of aldehydes with amine gives imine that reacts with cyanide ion in situ to give an α-aminonitrile. The latter on hydrolysis gives α-amino acids (Scheme 14).

Scheme 14

12.7.3 Bucherer-Bergs Reaction

Ketones react with ammonium carbonate in presence of cyanide ion to afford hydantoin that can be hydrolyzed to α-amino acid (Scheme 15). .

 

Mechanism

Scheme 15