Calcium Pantothenate. Part 2.¹ Optimisation of Oxynitrilase-Catalysed Asymmetric Hydrocyanation of 3-Hydroxy-2,2-dimethylaldehyde:  Synthesis of (R)-Pantolactone

The synthesis of ( R )-pantolactone via oxynitrilase-catalysed asymmetric hydrocyanation of 3-hydroxy-2,2-dimethylaldehyde has been investigated. ( R )-Oxynitrilases from almonds as well as from apple and plum kernels were employed as catalysts in the form of defatted meal. A number of factors influencing the hydrocyanation process have been studied and the conditions optimised using statistical methods. ( R )-Pantolactone with 74% yield and 30% ee has been synthesised.