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Updated: Mar 30, 2026

Imine Metathesis by Silica-Supported Catalysts Using the Methodology of Surface Organometallic Chemistry
Published on: October 18, 2019
Formation of Amides from Imines via Cyanide-Mediated Metal-Free Aerobic Oxidation
Hong-Ahn Seo1, Yeon-Ho Cho1, Ye-Sol Lee1
1Department of Chemistry, Korea University , 145 Anam-ro, Seongbuk-gu, Seoul 02841, Republic of Korea.
Abstract:
A new protocol for the direct formation of amides from imines derived from aromatic aldehydes via metal-free aerobic oxidation in the presence of cyanide is described. This protocol was applicable to various aldimines, and the desired amides were obtained in moderate to good yields. Mechanistic studies suggested that this aerobic oxidative amidation might proceed via the addition of cyanide to imines followed by proton transfer from carbon to nitrogen in the original imines, leading to carbanions of α-amino nitriles, which undergo subsequent oxidation with molecular oxygen in air to provide the desired amide compounds.
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