Dakin–West reaction
Reaction that converts amino acids into a keto-amides / From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
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The Dakin–West reaction is a chemical reaction that transforms an amino-acid into a keto-amide using an acid anhydride and a base, typically pyridine.[1][2][3][4][5] It is named for Henry Drysdale Dakin (1880–1952) and Randolph West (1890–1949). In 2016 Schreiner and coworkers reported the first asymmetric variant of this reaction employing short oligopeptides as catalysts.[6]
![The Dakin–West reaction](http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/0/0f/Dakin-West_Reaction_Scheme.png/640px-Dakin-West_Reaction_Scheme.png)
With pyridine as a base and solvent, refluxing conditions are required.[7] However, with the addition of 4-dimethylaminopyridine (DMAP) as a catalyst, the reaction can take place at room temperature.[8]
With some acids, this reaction can take place even in the absence of an α-amino group.
This reaction should not be confused with the Dakin reaction.