Patent ID: 6225095
Filing Date: 2001-05-01
Classification: C12N,C12P

Abstract:
A process for the preparation of the (S)-enantiomers of optically active cyanohydrins by reaction of an aldehyde or of a ketone with a cyanide group donor in the presence of a native or of a recombinant (S)-hydroxynitrile lyase, which comprises stirring a reaction mixture ofa) an aldehyde or ketone dissolved in an organic, water-immiscible or slightly miscible diluent,b) an aqueous (S)-hydroxynitrile lyase solution andc) a cyanide group donorin such a way that an emulsion is formed, which is maintained up to the end of the enzymatic reaction by stirring and after the enzymatic reaction is complete, then breaking the emulsion and isolating the corresponding (S)-cyanohydrin from the reaction mixture.