NH4Br-Promoted Single-Step and Transition-Metal-Free Conversion of Aldehydes to Nitriles in Ammonia Water

A green and general method for the direct transformation of aldehydes to nitriles was developed. This method features a broad scope of substrates including aromatic, heterocyclic, and aliphatic aldehydes, by using I-2/NH4Br in aqueous ammonia. Readily available aldehydes can be smoothly converted to corresponding nitriles in one-step under open air at room temperature for 1-12 hours. This protocol is transition-metal-free and could be applied for the synthesis of various key cyano (CN)-containing molecules.

Automated summary

A green and general method for the direct transformation of aldehydes to nitriles has been developed. It features a broad scope of substrates and can be applied for the synthesis of various key cyano-containing molecules.