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oa Enantioselective Enzyme-Catalysed Synthesis of Cyanohydrins
- Source: Current Organic Synthesis, Volume 6, Issue 1, Feb 2009, p. 15 - 37
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- 01 Feb 2009
Abstract
Cyanohydrins are valuable intermediates in organic synthesis. They enable an extensive chemistry that can be implemented starting either from the nitrile or from the hydroxy functionality. A number of challenges relevant to the enzyme-catalysed synthesis of chiral cyanohydrins have been addressed in recent years. In this review we will discuss three topics: (1) The enantioselective synthesis of cyanohydrins catalysed by Hydroxynitrile Lyases (Oxynitrilases); (2) The preparation of enantiopure cyanohydrins catalysed by hydrolases/ lipases via (dynamic) kinetic resolutions and (3) the (in situ) conversion of the enantiopure cyanohydrins, extending the use of cyanohydrins as building blocks in organic synthesis.