Tin or gallium-catalyzed cyanide-transition metal-free synthesis of nitriles from aldehydes or oximes

Abstract Tin or gallium chloride catalyzed transformation of oximes or aldehydes to nitriles is described. Various nitriles were obtained in up to 99% of yields. The gram-scale reaction or the optically active dinitrile was also available. This synthetically useful method has avoided toxic organic or inorganic cyanides as well as transition or noble metal catalysts.