@m_idso thank you for the suggestion. 
For all content-related suggestions we require source citation to accompany the suggestion, preferably an MCAT-specific source. More information regarding suggestion guidelines can be found here: 📚 AnKing Step Deck Submission Guidelines
Couple of notes on this card:
The addition of ammonia is correct according to this video from KA:
https://www.khanacademy.org/test-prep/mcat/chemical-processes/proteins/v/alpha-amino-acid-synthesis
and Kaplan:
In the Strecker synthesis, one starts with an aldehyde, ammonium chloride (NH4Cl), and potassium cyanide (KCN) - the ammonium chloride serving as the source of ammonia.
In our card for Gabriel synthesis, we list all the reactants:
{{c1::Gabriel synthesis}} generates an amino acid from {{c2::potassium phthalimide}}, {{c2::diethyl bromomalonate}}, and {{c2::an alkyl halide}}.
I wonder if for consistency we should be doing the same for this card.
Another issue: The KA video above suggests that Strecker synthesis can occur using an aldehyde or ketone. Kaplan just states that an aldehyde is used. Have yet to see a question about this topic on UWorld. Non primary MCAT sources online seem to suggest a ketone can be used as well.
One thing that I think both the Gabriel Synthesis and Strecker synthesis cards are definitely currently lacking is that both produce a racemic mixture of L- and D-amino acid (Kaplan 10.2)
Action items:
- Aldehyde and ketone? or just aldehyde?
- Include all reactants to match depth provided by Gabriel synthesis card? (aldehyde/ketone/whatever we decide + Ammonia + KCN)
- Inclusion of racemic mixture of products?
Yeah, I’m aware that it starts with more than one thing but a couple of points stick out to me:
- No source citation = I don’t necessarily want us to have to do the leg work to chase down every errant suggestion. This one is fairly straightforward, but managing expectations (and habits) is as important as anything, otherwise we run the risk of having to chase down every loose end which is not sustainable.
- The primary differentiator that is often tested between Gabriel and Strecker is starting material (aldehyde versus phthalimide, if memory serves).
- Strecker starts with multiple things, arguably:
If we’re going to modify the card, it’s arguably probably better to go for uniformity with other cards, as opposed to just adding “ammonia”
Kaplan:
My votes:
- Neither, see below.
- I vote we match. In this case, I don’t think it’s super super high-yield, but it’s easier to lean this card more comprehensive than dumb-down the other card.
- Note in extra field I think is a great idea. I do recall that being tested.