A Chemoselective, One-Pot Transformation of Aldehydes to Nitriles

Abstract

This paper describes a procedure for direct conversion of aldehydes to nitriles using O-(diphenylphosphinyl)hydroxylamine (DPPH). Aldehydes are smoothly transformed to their corresponding nitriles by heating with DPPH in toluene. The reaction can be accomplished in the presence of alcohol, ketone, ester, or amine functionality.