Design and synthesis of α-aminonitrile-functionalized novel retinoids

We have developed an expedient one-pot method for the synthesis of α-aminonitrile-functionalized new retinoids via a three-component condensation of β-cyclocitral, amine, and TMSCN (trimethyl silylcyanide) in the presence of a catalytic amount of indium(III) chloride in water. The reactions proceeded smoothly at room temperature in water to generate the corresponding retinoids in moderate to excellent yields (85–92%). In addition, the utility of this reaction was demonstrated to synthesize boron-containing retinoids.