Strecker synthesis | |
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Named after | Adolph Strecker |
Reaction type | Substitution reaction |
Identifiers | |
Organic Chemistry Portal | strecker-synthesis |
RSC ontology ID | RXNO:0000207 |
The Strecker amino acid synthesis, also known simply as the Strecker synthesis, is a method for the synthesis of amino acids by the reaction of an aldehyde with cyanide in the presence of ammonia. The condensation reaction yields an α-aminonitrile, which is subsequently hydrolyzed to give the desired amino acid.[1][2] The method is used for the commercial production of racemic methionine from methional.[3]
Primary and secondary amines also give N-substituted amino acids. Likewise, the usage of ketones, instead of aldehydes, gives α,α-disubstituted amino acids.[4]
Ullmann
was invoked but never defined (see the help page).