Wohl Degradation

AbstractThis reaction is a multi‐step degradation of aldose to its homologue with one less carbon atom involving a reversed Kiliani–Fischer cyanohydrin synthesis. It is generally known as the Wohl degradation. The analogous reaction occurring under photochemical irradiation is known as photochemical Wohl degradation. The extension of this reaction to eliminate cyanide from the acylated aldononitriles with sodium hydroxide or sodium methoxide is referred to as the Zemplén degradation. It has been noticed that the Wohl degradation sometimes offers a better yield than the commonly used Ruff degradation.This reaction has been widely used for the structural elucidation of carbohydrate molecules.