One-pot synthesis of 2-amino-3-cyanopyridine derivatives catalyzed by ytterbium perfluorooctanoate [Yb(PFO)3]

A family of 2-amino-3-cyanopyridine derivatives are synthesized from aldehydes, ketones, malononitrile, and ammonium acetate via one-pot reaction catalyzed by ytterbium perfluorooctanoate [Yb(PFO)3]. This procedure tolerates most of substrates and has the advantages of short routine, high yields, and environmentally friendly. Furthermore, the possible mechanism is also proposed.