Synthesis of α-amino acids from glucosamine-HCl and its derivatives by aerobic oxidation in water catalyzed by Au nanoparticles on basic supports.

The golden wonder: Various α-amino acids such as glucosaminic acid, galactosaminic acid, or N-acetyl-glucosaminic acid can be obtained from the corresponding glucosamine derivatives (amino sugars). This is achieved through an aqueous oxidation that catalyzed by Au nanoparticles dispersed on basic support under mild reaction conditions in water.