Montmorillonite KSF clay catalyzed one-pot synthesis of α-aminonitriles

Aryl imines, formed in situ from aldehydes and amines undergo smoothly nucleophilic addition with trimethylsilyl cyanide on the surface of montmorillonite KSF clay under mild reaction conditions to afford the corresponding alpha-aminonitriles in excellent yields. The solid acid can be recovered and recycled in subsequent reactions with a gradual decrease of activity. (C) 2004 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.