Asymmetric Strecker reaction at the solid/solid interface

Org Biomol Chem. 2023 Jan 18;21(3):520-524. doi: 10.1039/d2ob01802k.

Abstract

Related to absolute asymmetric synthesis, a stereospecific reaction at the solid/solid interface arising from crystal chirality of the achiral or racemic substrates has not yet been reported. Here, we demonstrate the asymmetric Strecker-type solid/solid reaction between the chiral crystal of a racemic cyanohydrin (kryptoracemate) and the achiral crystal of an ammonium salt to afford highly enantioenriched α-aminonitrile in combination with amplification of chirality. rac-Cyanohydrin provides its chiral surface as a reactive site and the reaction proceeds with dissociation of cyanohydrin; thus, an asymmetric Strecker-type reaction takes place at the interface of the substrate crystals. Strecker synthesis coupled with cyanohydrin synthesis offers a credible abiotic synthesis mechanism of α-amino acids and α-hydroxy acids. For the first time, stereochemical relationship has been found between the two chiral intermediates, aminonitrile and cyanohydrin, which are in equilibrium in the synthesis mechanism.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Amino Acids* / chemistry
  • Catalysis
  • Nitriles* / chemistry
  • Stereoisomerism

Substances

  • cyanohydrin
  • Amino Acids
  • Nitriles