Cu(OTf)2 or Et3N-catalyzed three-component condensation of aldehydes, amines and cyanides: a high yielding synthesis of α-aminonitriles

Copper(II) triflate or Et3N have been found to catalyze, under ambient conditions, the addition of a cyanide anion, such as trimethylsilyl cyanide or acetone cyanohydrin, onto in situ generated imines, furnishing α-aminonitriles in excellent yields.