Chemistry:Strecker degradation

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Short description: Chemical reaction

The Strecker degradation is a chemical reaction which converts an α-amino acid into an aldehyde containing the side chain, by way of an imine intermediate. It is named after Adolph Strecker, a German chemist.

The original observation by Strecker involved the use of alloxan as the oxidant in the first step,[1] followed by hydrolysis:

Strecker Degradation.png

The reaction can take place using a variety of organic and inorganic reagents.[2]

References

  1. Strecker, A (1862). "Notiz über eine eigenthümliche Oxydation durch Alloxan". Annalen der Chemie und Pharmacie 123 (2): 363–365. doi:10.1002/jlac.18621230312. http://babel.hathitrust.org/cgi/pt?id=mdp.39015026321938;view=1up;seq=373. 
  2. Schönberg, Alexander; Moubacher, Radwan (1952). "The Strecker Degradation of α-Amino Acids". Chem. Rev. 50 (2): 261–277. doi:10.1021/cr60156a002.