Synthesis of α–amino nitriles through Strecker-type reaction using SO3H -functionalized ionic liquid as a homogeneous and water tolerant-acidic catalyst

Task-specific ionic liquid (TSIL) bearing a sulfonic acid group in imidazolium cation (10 mol %), was found to be an effective catalyst for a Strecker-type reaction in water at room temperature. A wide variety of aldehydes/ketones, amines and TMSCN as cyanide source can be easily transformed into the corresponding α-amino nitriles. The water tolerant catalyst could be recycled five times without loss of any activity.