An unexpected involvement of ethyl-2-cyano-2-(hydroxyimino) acetate cleaved product in the promotion of the synthesis of nitriles from aldoximes: a mechanistic perception

While attempting to synthesize nitriles from aldoximes using O-sulfonate esters of oxyma [ethyl 2-cyano-2-(hydroxyimino)acetate], an unexpected involvement of oxyma cleaved product in promoting the synthesis of nitriles was observed. Such involvement of the oxyma cleaved product in the reaction mechanism, together with the usual anticipated pathway improved drastically the applicability of the method by reducing the time needed for the reaction to be completed over that of the sulfonyl chlorides. Other advantages of the present protocol are excellent yields in ambient and milder conditions.