title: Asymmetric synthesis of an (R)-cyanohydrin using enzymes entrapped in lens-shaped gels.
abstract: [structure: see text] A novel synthesis of (R)-cyanohydrins is described which is based on the use of cross-linked and subsequently poly(vinyl alcohol)-entrapped (R)-oxynitrilases. These immobilized lens-shaped biocatalysts have a well-defined macroscopic size in the mm range, show no catalyst leaching, and can be recycled efficiently. Furthermore, this immobilization method is cheap and the entrapped (R)-oxynitrilases gave similar good results compared with those of free enzymes. The (R)-cyanohydrin was obtained in good yields and with high enantioselectivities of up to >99% ee.
authors: Degussa AG, Project House Biotechnology, Rodenbacher Chaussee 4, 63457 Hanau-Wolfgang, Germany. harald.groeger@degussa.com
authors: H
authors: H
authors: Gröger
authors: E
authors: E
authors: Capan
authors: A
authors: A
authors: Barthuber
authors: K D
authors: KD
authors: Vorlop
mesh_terms: D000446:Aldehyde-Lyases / Q000378:metabolism*; D003486:Cyanides / Q000737:chemistry; D009570:Nitriles / Q000138:chemical synthesis* / Q000737:chemistry
chemical_list: D003486:Cyanides; D009570:Nitriles; C430593:cyanohydrin; D000446:Aldehyde-Lyases; C021541:mandelonitrile lyase