Abstract
The hydroxynitrile lyase (HNL)-catalyzed addition of hydrocyanic acid (HCN) to aldehydes is the most important synthesis of non-racemic cyanohydrins. The release of HCN as a defense against herbivores is widely distributed in higher plants (cyanogenesis. The highly toxic HCN is chemically masked in the plants in the form of cyanohydrins that are stabilized by an O-β-glycosidic linkage to saccharides (mainly D-glucose). Since now not only (R)-PaHNL from almonds is available in unlimited amounts, but the recombinant (S)-HNLs from cassava (MeHNL) and rubber tree (HbHNL) are also available in giga units, the large-scale productions of non-racemic cyanohydrins have become possible. The synthetic potential of chiral cyanohydrins for the stereoselective preparation of biologically active compounds has been developed during the last 15 years. Therefore, applications of chiral cyanohydrins for the preparation of biologically active compounds with stereogenic centers, which are applied as pharmaceuticals or plant-protecting agents, would play a major role in future developments.
Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
