Dakin–West reaction

The Dakin–West reaction is a chemical reaction that transforms an amino-acid into a keto-amide using an acid anhydride and a base, typically pyridine. It is named for Henry Drysdale Dakin (1880–1952) and Randolph West (1890–1949). In 2016 Schreiner and coworkers reported the first asymmetric variant of this reaction. The Dakin–West reaction is a chemical reaction that transforms an amino-acid into a keto-amide using an acid anhydride and a base, typically pyridine. It is named for Henry Drysdale Dakin (1880–1952) and Randolph West (1890–1949). In 2016 Schreiner and coworkers reported the first asymmetric variant of this reaction. With pyridine as a base and solvent, refluxing conditions are required. However, with the addition of 4-dimethylaminopyridine (DMAP) as a catalyst, the reaction can take place at room temperature.