Tris(pentafluorophenyl)borane catalyzed synthesis of cyanohydrins, cyanohydrin trimethylsilyl ethers and α-amino nitriles

Abstract

Tris(pentafluorophenyl)borane catalyzed synthesis of cyanohydrins and trimethylsilylcyanohydrin ethers from carbonyl compounds and α-amino nitriles from imines (Strecker synthesis) has been reported in the presence of trimethylsilylcyanide. The substrate diversity has been extensively studied; various aldehydes, ketones and imines are participating in the methodology. Simple and mild reaction conditions, low levels of catalyst loading and shorter reaction times and high yields are the highlights of this methodology, also the products formed here are very important building blocks in the several biologically active natural products.