Scandium triflate-catalyzed Strecker-type reactions of aldehydes, amines and tributyltin cyanide in both organic and aqueous solutions. Achievement of complete recovery of the tin compounds toward environmentally-friendly chemical processes

Abstract

Scandium triflate (CF₃SO₃^–)-catalyzed Strecker-type reactions were successfully carried out by simply mixing aldehydes, amines and tributyltin cyanide at room temperature, to afford α-amino nitriles in high yields. The reactions proceeded smoothly in both organic and aqueous solutions, and complete recovery of the tin materials has been achieved.