Enantioselective Organocatalytic Strecker Reactions in the Synthesis of α‐Amino Acids

Both the classical Strecker three- component one-pot synthesis and the hydrocyanation of preformed imines (modified Strecker reaction) can be made enantioselective, affording optically active α-amino acids, through the application of suitable organocatalysts. Several new and simple organocatalysts with high selectivity and activity have been introduced recently with the potential to be stable enough for catalyst recovery and immobilization.