Final answer:
The Strecker synthesis creates amino acids from aldehydes using ammonia and hydrogen cyanide, employing a sequence of reactions that form an aminonitrile intermediate which is then hydrolyzed.
Step-by-step explanation:
The Strecker synthesis is used to make amino acids from aldehydes using ammonia and hydrogen cyanide. This method is a classic synthesis in organic chemistry that involves the reaction of an aldehyde with ammonia, forming an imine, which subsequently reacts with hydrogen cyanide to generate an aminonitrile. The aminonitrile is then hydrolyzed to form the desired amino acid. This synthesis is essential for creating a wide variety of amino acids and can be adapted to produce both aliphatic and aromatic amino acids, as well as modified amino acids.