Benzaldehyde Lyase-Catalyzed Direct Amidation of Aldehydes with Nitroso Compounds

Benzaldehyde lyase from the Pseudomonas fluorescens catalyzes the reaction of aromatic aldehydes with nitroso compounds and furnishes N-arylhydroxamic acids in high yields. Aromatic aldehydes and benzoins are converted into enamine-carbanion-like intermediates prior to their reaction with nitroso compounds. The kinetic resolution of rac-2-hydroxy-1,2-diphenylethanones furnished (S)-benzoins and arylhydroxamic acids with high enantioselectivities and conversions.