DMF-Catalysed Thermal Dehydration of Aldoximes: A Convenient Access to Functionalized Aliphatic and Aromatic Nitriles

Abstract

N,N-Dimethylformamide was found to act as solvent and catalyst in the dehydration of aldoximes to nitriles. The reaction ­required heating at 135 °C and yields of nitriles were moderate to good. (Benzylideneaminooxy)formaldehyde was detected as an ­intermediate in one of the reactions.