Eco-friendly synthesis of α-aminonitriles from ketones in PEG-400 medium using potassium Hexacyanoferrate(II) as cyanide source

An efficient method for the synthesis of α-aminonitriles via one-pot three-component condensation of ketones, amines and potassium hexacyanoferrate(II) using benzoyl chloride as a promoter and PEG-400 as a reaction medium was described. This protocol has the features of use of eco-friendly cyanide source, green reaction medium, high yield, and simple work-up procedure.