Lewis base-catalyzed transformation of α,β-unsaturated aldehydes to saturated carboxylic acids, esters and amides

The reactions of α,β-unsaturated aldehydes such as (E)-cinnamaldehyde and 2- or 4-methoxycinnamaldehyde with trimethylsilyl cyanide in the presence of a catalytic amount of a Lewis base such as TTMPP and DBU afforded the corresponding saturated carboxylic acids after hydrolysis.