Strecker reaction that allows for direct cyanation of para-methoxyphenyl (PMP)-protected primary amines. A vanadium(V) complex was used as the catalyst and TBHP as the oxidant. The cyanation occurs at the α-C position bearing either an alkyl or an aromatic group. This method provides a direct access to α-aminonitrile from amines with one-carbon extension.
The directamination of cyanohydrins with amines via a catalytic cyano-borrowing reaction was developed. The transformation features broad substrate scope, excellent functional group compatibility, and very mild and simple operations. Moreover, a titanium catalyst supported by quinine and (S)-BINOL ligands enabled an asymmetric cyano-borrowing reaction with moderate to high enantioselectivity.