Unable to use start transaction statement in mysql getting error

Hi,
I am opening the mysql client by typing mysql on my mac terminal and then the following  :

unable to user start transaction in mysql getting the following error :
mysql> start transaction
    -> update account_inno set amount = 300 where name = "robin";
ERROR 1064 (42000): You have an error in your SQL syntax; check the manual that corresponds to your MySQL server version for the right syntax to use near 'update account_inno set amount = 300 where name = "robin"' at line 2
mysql>


The start transaction statement is failing.
what could be the reason for this. How do i correct it ?

Thanks