Al-MCM-41 catalyzed three-component Strecker-type synthesis of α-aminonitriles

Mesoporous aluminosilicate (Al-MCM-41) efficiently catalyzed the three-component Strecker-type reaction of benzylacetone and aniline with trimethylsilyl cyanide in CH2Cl2 at room temperature to afford the corresponding α-aminonitrile in excellent yields (up to 97%). Mesoporous silica (MCM-41), amorphous SiO2–Al2O3, and H-Y and H-ZSM-5 zeolites also catalyzed this reaction, but gave the desired product in lower yields. The Al-MCM-41 catalyzed three-component Strecker-type reaction was applicable to a wide range of ketones, aldehydes, and amines. Furthermore, the Al-MCM-41 catalyst could be applied to a fixed-bed flow reactor: The desired α-aminonitrile derivative was constantly produced in nearly 80% yields for 48 h.