The addition of trimethylsilyl cyanide (TMSCN), tert-butyldimethylsilyl cyanide (TBDMSCN) or tert-butyldiphenylsilyl cyanide (TBDPSCN) to sterically hindered ketones proceeded in good yield under catalysis by Lewis acids (Zn12, CH2Cl2, 25 “C) or bases (KCN, 18-crown- 6, CH2C12, 25 OC). For example, the ZnI2-catalyzed addition of TBDMSCN to 2, 2- dimethylcyclohexanone (b), 2, 2, 6-trimethylcyclohexanone (30, and 2, 2, 6, 6- ...