One-stage synthesis of adamantyl-containing α-aminonitriles.

Reactions of 2-adamantan-2-one, acetone cyanohydrin, and amine lead to the formation of substituted 2-amino-2-cyanoadamantanes. The reaction is of a general character as has been proved by examples on a series of ketones and amines and it proceeds through the formation from the acetone cyanohydrin and amines of 2-amino-2-cyanopropane derivatives reacting further with the carbonyl compounds. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]