Download PDF
Synlett 1993; 1993(11): 807-820
DOI: 10.1055/s-1993-22618
account
© Georg Thieme Verlag, Rüdigerstr. 14, 70469 Stuttgart, Germany. All rights reserved. This journal, including all individual contributions and illustrations published therein, is legally protected by copyright for the duration of the copyright period. Any use, exploitation or commercialization outside the narrow limits set by copyright legislation, without the publisher's consent, is illegal and liable to criminal prosecution. This applies in particular to photostat reproduction, copying, cyclostyling, mimeographing or duplication of any kind, translating, preparation of microfilms, and electronic data processing and storage.

Catalytic Asymmetric Cyanohydrin Synthesis

Michael North*
  • *Department of Chemistry, University of Wales, Bangor, Gwynedd LL57 2UW, England
Further Information

Publication History

Publication Date:
19 March 2002 (online)

 PDF Download  Permissions and Reprints All articles of this category
Preview

The use of various catalysts in the asymmetric addition of HCN (or an equivalent) to achiral aldehydes and ketones, giving optically active cyanohydrins is discussed. The catalysts include enzymes, chiral polymers, chiral titanium and boron complexes, and cyclic dipeptides. Special emphasis is given to the synthetic and mechanistic aspects of the reactions catalysed by the diketopiperazine cyclo-[(S)-His-(S)-Phe] (4). 1. Introduction 2. Use of Enzymes 3. Use of Polymers 4. Use of Organometallic Reagents 5. Use of Peptides 6. Mechanistic Aspects of the Reaction Catalysed by Cyclo-[(S)-His-(S)-Phe] 7. Miscellaneous 8. Summary