Efficient synthesis of α-aminonitriles over homopiperazine sulfamic acid functionalized mesoporous silica nanoparticles (MSNs-HPZ-SO3H), as a reusable acid catalyst.

Good to excellent yields of α-aminonitriles are achieved through three-component Strecker reaction of aldehydes or ketones with amines and trimethylsilyl cyanides over homopiperazine sulfamic acid functionalized mesoporous silica nanoparticles (MSNs-HPZ-SO3H). The advantages of this protocol include: simplicity, short reaction time, high yields, ease of product isolation and reusability of the catalyst. MSNs-HPZ-SO3H is prepared as an acid catalyst and successfully used for three-component Strecker reaction of aldehydes or ketones with amines and trimethylsilyl cyanides (TMSCN) under solvent-free conditions, a straightforward strategy for the synthesis of α-aminonitriles. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]