Strecker degradation
Encyclopedia
The Strecker degradation is a chemical reaction which converts an α-amino acid
into an aldehyde
by 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:
The reaction can take place using a variety of organic and inorganic reagents.
Amino acid
Amino acids are molecules containing an amine group, a carboxylic acid group and a side-chain that varies between different amino acids. The key elements of an amino acid are carbon, hydrogen, oxygen, and nitrogen...
into an aldehyde
Aldehyde
An aldehyde is an organic compound containing a formyl group. This functional group, with the structure R-CHO, consists of a carbonyl center bonded to hydrogen and an R group....
by an imine
Imine
An imine is a functional group or chemical compound containing a carbon–nitrogen double bond, with the nitrogen attached to a hydrogen atom or an organic group. If this group is not a hydrogen atom, then the compound is known as a Schiff base...
intermediate. It is named after Adolph Strecker
Adolph Strecker
Adolph Strecker was a German chemist who is remembered primarily for his work with amino acids.- Life and work :...
, a German chemist.
The original observation by Strecker involved the use of alloxan
Alloxan
Alloxan is an oxygenated pyrimidine derivative. It is present as alloxan hydrate in aqueous solution.-History:...
as the oxidant:
The reaction can take place using a variety of organic and inorganic reagents.