One-pot Three-component Construction of β, γ‐unsaturated α‐aminonitriles using TMSCN as Cyanide Source

An efficient method for synthesizing β, γ-unsaturated α-aminonitriles via a one-pot procedure using cinnamaldehyde, aniline and TMSCN as starting materials under catalyst-free conditions is reported. The one-pot three-component reactions proceed efficiently with a broad range of substrates and good tolerance for a diversity of functional groups. Notably, the process features a simple work-up procedure and does not require transition metal catalysts. Additionally, the reaction can be scaled up to the gram scale without loss of efficiency.