What is Dakin-West reaction?
The Dakin-West reaction involves the reaction of α-amino acids with acetic anhydride in the presence of a base, resulting in the formation of α-acetamido ketones. This reaction proceeds through the intermediate formation of an azlactone.
References
- H.D. Dakin, R. West, “A general reaction of amino acids. II“, Journal of Biological Chemistry,
78 (3), 745-756 (1928)
DOI: 10.1016/S0021-9258(18)83978-3 - H.D. Dakin, R. West, “Some aromatic derivatives of substituted acetylaminoacetones“, Journal of Biological Chemistry, 78 (3), 757-764 (1928)
DOI: 10.1016/S0021-9258(18)83979-5
