Nitrile Synthesis by Aerobic Oxidation of Primary Amines and in situ Generated Imines from Aldehydes and Ammonium Salt with Grubbs Catalyst

Herein, a Grubbs-catalyzed route for the synthesis of nitriles via the aerobic oxidation of primary amines is reported. This reaction accommodates a variety of substrates, including simple primary amines, sterically hindered β,β-disubstituted amines, allylamine, benzylamines, and α-amino esters. Reaction compatibility with various functionalities is also noted, particularly with alkenes, alkynes, halogens, esters, silyl ethers, and free hydroxyl groups. The nitriles were also synthesized via the oxidation of imines generated from aldehydes and NH₄OAc in situ. (Figure presented.).