Strecker Synthesis

Abstract This is one of the most direct and efficient methods for the synthesis of α‐amino acids involving the formation of imines from aldehydes and ammonia (or amines), cyanation of imines from hydrogen cyanide or equivalents, and subsequent hydrolysis of the resulting α‐amino nitriles. This reaction is generally referred to as the Strecker synthesis. The Strecker's initial protocol has been extensively extended and is referred to various names. The Bucherer–Bergs hydantoin synthesis for the preparation of α‐amino acids shows many advantages over the Strecker synthesis. The Strecker synthesis, especially the de novo asymmetric synthesis of α‐amino acids has very broad applications in the preparation of amino acids and peptides.