Heterogeneously Catalyzed Oxidative Cyanation of Tertiary Amines with Sodium Cyanide/Hydrogen Peroxide using Polymer-Supported Iron(II) Phthalocyanines as Catalyst

The first report on heterogeneously catalyzed oxidative cyanation of various tertiary amines to the corresponding a-amino nitriles with high yields and selectivity by using hydrogen peroxide oxidant in presence of sodium cyanide and Fe(II) phthalocyanine supported on a polymer as catalyst is described. The present method has the added benefits of facile recovery of the catalyst from the reaction mixture and its subsequent use without further activation. Consistent catalytic activity with no metal leaching was observed during this course.