Diversification of an ancient theme: Hydroxynitrile glucosides

Three previously unknown β-hydroxynitrile glucosides were isolated from Ribesuva-crispa leaves: (2Z)-2-(β-d-glucopyranosyloxy)but-2-enenitrile, (2R,3R)- and (2R,3S)-2-methyl-3-(β-d-glucopyranosyloxy)butanenitrile. The data presented provide strong evidence that the biosynthetic pathways for β- and γ-hydroxynitrile glucosides represent a diversification of the pathway for cyanogenic glucoside biosynthesis.