Highly efficient promoted zirconia solid acid catalysts for synthesis of α-aminonitriles using trimethylsilyl cyanide

A straightforward and general method has been developed for the synthesis of α-aminonitriles from the reaction of aldehydes or ketones with amines and trimethylsilyl cyanides in the presence of a catalytic amount of promoted zirconia solid acid catalyst at room temperature. This simple experimental and product isolation procedure combined with easy recovery and reusability of the catalyst are expected to contribute to the development of clean and environmental friendly strategy for the synthesis of α-aminonitriles. A plausible reaction mechanism has been proposed for this multicomponent reaction.

Graphical abstractHighly efficient promoted zirconia solid acid catalysts for synthesis of α-aminonitriles using trimethylsilyl cyanide. Promoted zirconia catalysts were employed for multicomponent Strecker reaction of various aliphatic, aromatic and heterocyclic aldehydes or ketones with amine and TMSCN in one step. These catalysts facilitated the reaction under mild conditions and provided good product yields.Figure optionsDownload full-size imageDownload as PowerPoint slide