Synthesis of optically active silyl protected cyanohydrins

Abstract Mandelonitrile lyase as present in a crude extract of almond flour has been tested for the synthesis of several chiral cyanohydrins. Silylated cyanohydrins of benzaldehyde, 4-methoxybenzaldehyde, piperonal, 5-methylfurfural, butyraldehyde and crotonaldehyde were obtained in good yield and high enantiomeric excess (93%) after treatment with silyl chlorides and imidazole in DMF.