Conversion of aldoximes into nitriles catalyzed by simple transition metal salt of the fourth period in acetonitrile

Conversion of aldoximes into nitriles catalyzed by simple transition metal catalysts, such as copper salts, nickel salts, cobalt salts, zinc salts, iron salts, and manganese salts in acetonitrile was investigated. All the metal salts display catalytic property in the conversion of aldoximes into nitriles and cupric acetate exhibits much higher activity than other catalysts. The corresponding amide was detected in almost all cases and acetonitrile was found to be involved in the conversion of aldoximes into nitriles.