DBU catalyzed cyanoacylation of ketones with acyl cyanides

The reaction of cyclohexanone with benzoyl cyanide catalyzed by amines provides the corresponding O-benzoyl cyanohydrin adducts in moderate to good yields under mild conditions. Among the catalysts, DBU was found to be the most effective promoter allowing the reaction to proceed smoothly at room temperature and to give the corresponding O-acyl cyanohydrin adducts in higher yields for a variety of substituted cyclohexanones, cyclopentanone, acetone or pentan-3-one and various acyl cyanides.