One-pot three-component synthesis of α-iminonitriles by IBX/TBAB-Mediated oxidative Strecker reaction

The reaction of aldehydes, amines, and TMSCN in the presence of 2-iodoxybenzoic acid (IBX) and tetrabutylammonium bromide (TBAB) afforded alpha-iminonitriles in good to excellent yields under mild conditions. The presence of TBAB is essential for this transformation. The methodology was applied to a two-step synthesis of indolizidine via a microwave-assisted intramolecular cycloaddition of alpha-iminonitrile.