Figure 10.6. Strecker Synthesis: Step 1
An aminonitrile is generated from an aldehyde or ketone.In Step 2, the nitrile nitrogen is protonated, increasing the electrophilicity of the nitrile carbon. This
is similar to protonating the oxygen of a carbonyl. A water molecule attacks, leading to the creation
of a molecule with both imine and hydroxyl moieties on the same carbon. This imine is attacked by
another equivalent of water. A carbonyl is formed, kicking off ammonia and creating the carboxylic
acid functionality. This step, shown in Figure 10.7, is performed in aqueous acid and can be
accelerated by the use of heat.