Jiří Zedník, Ladislav Lešetický, Stanislav Smrček
Department of Organic and Nuclear Chemistry, Charles University of Prague, Faculty of Science, Albertov 6, 128 40 Prague 2, Czech Republic
 

ABSTRACT

Facile synthesis of 2-methoxyalkylnitriles and 2-ethoxyalkylnitriles and their reduction to amines for potential usage as isocyanide synthesis starting compounds is presented. Alkoxyalkylnitriles (methoxy and ethoxy) were prepared by reaction of corresponding dialkyl ketals and trimethylsilyl cyanide. This reaction was optimized for the highest yield and its usability was confirmed on series of dialkyl ketals. Following standard hydride reduction of appropriate methoxy or ethoxy nitriles gave corresponding methoxy or ethoxyamines. Identity and purity of all newly prepared compounds was confirmed by means of NMR spectroscopy.