Straightforward zinc-catalyzed transformation of aldehydes and hydroxylamine hydrochloride to nitriles

In the present study, the zinc-catalyzed dehydration of a range of in situ generated aldoximes, available by the reaction of aldehydes and hydroxylamine hydrochloride, has been explored. After investigating various reaction parameters, with Zn(OTf)2 an excellent and easily accessible pre-catalyst was obtained. The system was highly active and dehydrated a broad range of aldoximes selectively to the corresponding nitriles under mild reaction conditions.