What does this research mean for the field?

A mild synthetic protocol converts aldehydes to nitriles with yields ranging from 23% to 98% using a copper catalyst and lithium bis(trimethylsilyl)amide as the nitrogen source. Novelty: ClaimNovelty.METHODOLOGICAL. Consensus alignment: ConsensusAlignment.NEUTRAL.

What question did this study set out to answer?

To develop a simple method for transforming aldehydes into nitriles using a copper catalyst and LiHMDS.

February 28, 2026

A Mild Synthetic Protocol for Conversion of Aldehydes to Nitriles Using a Copper Catalyst and LiHMDS as the Nitrogen Source

Key Points

To develop a simple method for transforming aldehydes into nitriles using a copper catalyst and LiHMDS.
Utilized lithium bis(trimethylsilyl)amide as a nitrogen source
Employed copper iodide as a catalyst
Conducted reactions under aerobic and ligand-free conditions
Tested various functional groups in 22 different cases
Scaled reaction to produce 3.2 g of nitrile product
Achieved yields ranging from 23% to 98%, with a median yield of 78%
Successfully tolerated a variety of functional groups
Scaled the reaction to 25 mmol, showcasing potential for industrial use

Abstract

Interconversion of functional groups in organic chemistry is a key task. Here we have developed an oxidative transformation of aldehydes to nitriles using lithium bis(trimethylsilyl)amide as a nitrogen source and copper iodide as an inexpensive catalyst under aerobic and ligand free conditions. The reaction proceeds in 23–98% yield (median of 78%), tolerating various functional groups (22 examples). Furthermore, the reaction was easily scaled to 25 mmol (3.2 g of nitrile product), potentially making it relevant for industry applications.

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A Mild Synthetic Protocol for Conversion of Aldehydes to Nitriles Using a Copper Catalyst and LiHMDS as the Nitrogen Source

Key Points

Abstract

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