Succinic acid: a novel and efficient organo-catalyst for synthesis of α-amino nitriles under solvent free condition

A simple, efficient and eco-friendly general protocol has been developed for the synthesis of three-component reaction methodology of Strecker’s α-amino nitriles by using various aldehyde or ketone, amines and trimethylsilyl cyanide (TMS-CN). In this methodology, succinic acid is used as a novel and efficient organo-catalyst in catalytic amount. This method was carried out under solvent free condition at room temperature for preparation of variety of α-amino nitriles derivatives in excellent yields. The present method provides significant advantages of organo-catalyst such as inexpensive, highly stable, environmentally benign and commercially available as well as solvent free reaction conditions and high conversions of the products with excellent yield.