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The cyanation of aldimines, generated in situ from N-benzyloxycarbonylamino- and N-tosylamino-benzyl phenylsulfones, to the corresponding N-protected α-aminobenzyl nitriles has been achieved by eco-friendly Strecker reactions using potassium hexacyanoferrate(II) as a cyanide source, benzoyl chloride as a promoter, and potassium hydroxide as a base. The protocol has the advantages of using a nontoxic, nonvolatile and inexpensive cyanating agent, employing a simple work-up procedure and producing high yields. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: An efficient method for the synthesis of α-aminonitriles via one-pot three-component condensation of ketones, amines and potassium hexacyanoferrate(II) using benzoyl chloride as a promoter and PEG-400 as a reaction medium was described. This protocol has the features of use of eco-friendly cyanide source, green reaction medium, high yield, and simple work-up procedure. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]