Three-component coupling reactions in ionic liquids: a facile synthesis of alpha-aminonitriles

Aryl imines, derived in situ from aldehydes and amines, smoothly undergo addition with trimethylsilyl cyanide in 1-butyl-3-methylimidazolium tetrafluoroborate or 1-butyl-3-methylimidazolium hexa uorophosphate ionic liquids under mild and neutral reaction conditions to afford the corresponding alpha-aminonitriles in excellent yields. The ionic liquids can be recycled in five to six runs without any apparent loss of activity.