A carbon-13 nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopic investigation of the Kiliani reaction

The Kiliani reaction of D-arabinose with sodium (/sup 13/C)cyanide (or (/sup 13/C,/sup 15/N)cyanide) was studied by /sup 13/C NMR. The C-1 resonances of intermediates and products were observed as the reaction evolved. Intermediates were identified by addition of authentic samples to reaction solutions, interpretation of chemical shifts and coupling constants, and chemical experiments. Intermediates identified included cyanohydrins, amides, lactones, amidines, and an imidate. A discussion of the course of the reaction over the pH range 5.1 to 12.5 is presented. The final mannonate-to-gluconate ratio was shown to be a function of pH and not associated with the presence of certain metal ions. 2 figures, 1 table.