Oxynitrilases for asymmetric C-C bond formation

Oxynitrilases for the preparation of (R)- or (S)-cyanohydrins are now readi ly available, The research efforts of a number of groups have established t hese enzymes as catalysts with significant potential for application to asy mmetric synthesis. Advances made in molecular cloning and genetics have del ivered information on the oxynitrilase mechanism of action and sufficient q uantities of enzyme to satisfy industrial requirements.