What is Wohl degradation?
The Wohl degradation is a chemical process used to convert an aldose into an aldose with one fewer carbon atoms, achieved through the reversal of the cyanohydrin synthesis. In this method, the nitrile group is eliminated through treatment with ammoniacal silver oxide. Another variation of this reaction, known as the Zemplén modification, involves the use of sodium alkoxide in the nitrile elimination process.
References
- Wohl, A. (1893), Abbau des Traubenzuckers. [Degradation of the grape sugar.] Ber. Dtsch. Chem. Ges., 26: 730-744. https://doi.org/10.1002/cber.189302601150
- Wohl, A. (1899), Abbau der l-Arabinose. [Degradation of l-arabinose.] Ber. Dtsch. Chem. Ges., 32: 3666-3672. https://doi.org/10.1002/cber.189903203158
- Zemplén, G. (1926), Abbau der reduzierenden Biosen, I.: Direkte Konstitutions-Ermittlung der Cellobiose. [Degradation of reducing bioses, I.: Direct constitutional determination of cellobiose.] Ber. dtsch. Chem. Ges. A/B, 59: 1254-1266. https://doi.org/10.1002/cber.19260590626
- Zemplén, G. and Braun, G. (1926), Abbau der reduzierenden Biosen, II.: Konstitution der Turanose und der Melezitose. [Degradation of reducing bioses, II: Constitution of turanose and melezitose.] Ber. dtsch. Chem. Ges. A/B, 59: 2230-2241. https://doi.org/10.1002/cber.19260590910
- Zemplén, G. (1926), Abbau der reduzierenden Biosen, III.: Direkte Konstitutions-Ermittlung des Milchzuckers. [Degradation of reducing bioses, III: Direct constitutional determination of lactose.] Ber. dtsch. Chem. Ges. A/B, 59: 2402-2413. https://doi.org/10.1002/cber.19260590938
