Urech Cyanohydrin Method; Ultee Cyanohydrin Method

F. Urech, Ann. 164, 225 (1872); A. J. Ultee, Rec. Trav. Chim. 28, 1 (1909).

Cyanohydrin formation by addition of alkali cyanide to the carbonyl group in the presence of acetic acid (Urech method) or by reaction of the carbonyl compound with anhydrous hydrogen cyanide in the presence of a basic catalyst (Ultee cyanohydrin method):

A. J. Ultee, Ber. 39, 1856 (1906); Rec. Trav. Chim. 28, 248, 257 (1909); K. N. Welch, G. R. Clemo, J. Chem. Soc. 1928, 2629; H. R. Dittmar, US 2101823 (1937); V. Migrdichian, The Chemistry of Organic Cyanogen Compounds (New York, 1947) p 173; D. T. Mowry, Chem. Rev. 42, 231 (1948); P. Kurz, Houben-Weyl 8, 274 (1952); R. F. B. Cox, R. T. Stormont, Org. Syn. coll. vol. 2, 7 (1955). Cf. Bucherer-Bergs Reaction; Kiliani-Fischer Synthesis.