Abstract The feasibility of the Me 3 Si species acting as a nucleofuge was investigated in compounds containing the NSiMe 3 moiety. Treatment of various aromatic aldehydes with 2.2 equiv. of NaN (SiMe 3) 2 at 185 C in a sealed tube produced the corresponding nitriles in high yields (81–98%). In these reactions, NaN (SiMe 3) 2 acted as an oxidizing agent. Results from control experiments indicate that the Me 3 Si unit can depart efficiently from ...
