The Strecker amino acid synthesis generates an α-amino acid from hydrogen cyanide, water, an aldehyde or ketone, and a 1° amine or ammonia. The carbonyl compound is first converted to an iminium ion, which is attacked by the cyanide ion to form an α-amino nitrile intermediate. Hydrolysis of the nitrile yields the α-amino acid.

• Reagents: Hydrogen or Alkali Cyanide (KCN, NaCN) in Buffered Aqueous Media, Water
• Reactant: Aliphatic/Aryl Ketone or Aldehyde, 1° or 2° Amine or Ammonia
• Product: α-Amino Acid
• Type of Reaction: Condensation

Mechanism

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