Enzyme catalysed formation of (S)-cyanohydrins derived from aldehydes and ketones in a biphasic solvent system

Article abstract of DOI:10.1016/S0040-4020(98)00901-6

By employing a vigorously stirred two phase system aqueous buffer/organic solvent and using the hydroxynitrile lyase from Hevea brasiliensis as biocatalyst enantiopure (S)-cyanohydrins from aliphatic, unsaturated, aromatic and heteroaromatic aldehydes and methyl alkyl and methyl phenyl ketones are obtained in high yield and in general 98-99% enantiomeric excess.