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Reference.org
Strecker amino acid synthesis
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<p>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 <a href="/facts/Cyanide/t0o8FMKI">cyanide</a> in the presence of <a href="/facts/Ammonia/MtLtJFtz">ammonia</a>. The <a href="/facts/Condensation_reaction/wMG0F6La">condensation reaction</a> yields an α-aminonitrile, which is subsequently hydrolyzed to give the desired amino acid. The method is used for the commercial production of racemic <a href="/facts/Methionine/7neydPKo">methionine</a> from <a href="/facts/Methional/Vb1Uz3WS">methional</a>. </p> <p>Primary and secondary amines also give N-substituted amino acids. Likewise, the usage of <a href="/facts/Ketone/BqQXpLo4">ketones</a>, instead of aldehydes, gives α,α-disubstituted amino acids. </p>