Base-catalyzed switchable reactivity of N-acyl-α-aminonitriles: oxidative decyanation to imides and hydrolysis to amides in batch and flow

Key Points

• The aim is to explore the reactivity of N-acyl-α-aminonitriles to synthesize imides and amides using base catalysis.
• Utilized a base-catalyzed approach without transition metals.
• Implemented both batch and continuous-flow reaction conditions.
• Varied oxygen exposure to assess selectivity for imides versus amides.
• Successfully synthesized imides in the presence of air or O₂.
• Achieved hydrolysis to form amides under controlled conditions.
• Showed versatility of the method in different setups with consistent results.