Synfacts 2008(11): 1204-1204  
DOI: 10.1055/s-0028-1083467
Metal-Mediated Synthesis
© Georg Thieme Verlag Stuttgart ˙ New York

Oxidative Cyanation of Tertiary Amines

Contributor(s): Paul Knochel, Tobias Thaler
S.-I. Murahashi*, T. Nakae, H. Terai, N. Komiya
Osaka University and Okayama University of Science, Japan
Further Information

Publication History

Publication Date:
23 October 2008 (online)

Significance

A novel Ru-catalyzed oxidative cyanation of tertiary amines with molecular oxygen or hydrogen peroxide is described. The reaction proceeds via a direct sp³ C-H bond activation α to the nitrogen mediated by the Ru complex. Oxidation leads to an iminium ion and Ru hydroperoxide. Reaction with HCN gives the desired α-aminonitriles.