A novel approach for the synthesis of α-aminonitriles using Mitsunobu's reagent under solvent-free conditions

A highly efficient, one-pot, three-component, solvent-free protocol for the synthesis of α-aminonitriles starting from their corresponding carbonyl compounds, amines, using Mitsunobu's reagent has been developed. Diversity of α-aminonitriles has been synthesized in good to excellent yields (80-99%) using various kinds of aldehydes/ketones and a variety of amines.