Catalytic Function of Metal Chelates in the Hydration of 2-Pyridinecarbonitrile

Abstract The catalytic effects of various transition metal complexes on the hydration of 2-pyridinecarbonitrile have been investigated. In these homogeneous catalytic reactions, free 2-pyridinecarboxamide was obtained as the sole reaction product. The transition metal species of the complexes used were Cu(II), Ni(II), Co(II), Co(III), and Pt(IV), while the ligands were ethylenediamine, bipyridine, glycine ion, and 2-pyridinecarboxamide. The complexes of Cu(II), Ni(II), and Co(II) were all catalytically active for the hydration, but those of Co(III) and Pt(IV) were inactive. No reaction occurred with 3- and 4-pyridinecarbonitriles under the same reaction conditions. The effect of the pH was remarkable. The active complex catalysts were classified into three types.