An Efficient Synthesis of Nitriles from Aldoximes in the Presence of Trifluoromethanesulfonic Anhydride in Mild Conditions

A new and convenient protocol has been proposed for the transformation of aldoximes to nitriles using trifluoromethanesulfonic anhydride and triethylamine. The proposed method allows a range of aldoximes, including aromatic, heterocyclic, aliphatic, and cycloaliphatic aldoximes, to be converted to the corresponding nitriles in good to excellent yields.