Abstract α-Aminonitriles can be prepared at room temperature in good yield by either the addition of a primary amine to a mixture aldehyde/trimethylsilyl cyanide (TMSCN) or by the addition of an aldehyde to a mixture amine/TMSCN. The reaction proceeds via the initial condensation of a minute amount of aldehyde and amine groups to generate azomethine bonds and water. The latter then acts catalytically to rapidly convert the aldehyde into the ...
