Production of Quaternary α-Aminonitriles

A novel synthesis of α-aminonitriles is described via an indium-catalyzed three-component coupling reaction of alkynes, amines, and trimethylsilyl cyanide (Me₃SiCN). Hydroamination of alkynes with a subsequent nucleophilic addition of Me₃SiCN resulted in a novel approach to quaternary α-aminonitrile derivatives.

https://pubs.acs.org/doi/abs/10.1021/acs.orglett.6b00508