abstract |
In accordance with the present invention there are provided methods for producing enantiomerically pure α-substituted carboxylic acids, such as, for example, α-amino acids and α-hydroxy acids, said method comprising an aldehyde or ketone with a cyanide and ammonia or an ammonium salt or an amine, in the presence of a nitrilase or a polypeptide having nitrilase activity which stereoselectively hydrolyzes the amino nitrile or cyanohydrin intermediate under conditions sufficient to produce the carboxylic acid. |