Direct transformation of nitriles to cyanide using chloride anion as catalyst

Abstract

A simple method is explored for the scission of C–CN bonds into aldehyde and CN⁻ in air. The transformation was mediated by chloride anions. The cyanide anions were extracted from the reaction solution to form (Et₄N)₂[Zn(CN)₄] and (Et₄N)₂[Ni(CN)₄]. A chloride-induced reaction mechanism is proposed based on experimental studies and DFT calculations. This work might guide the study of halogen catalysts for C–C bond cleavage.