Superparamagnetic iron oxide as an efficient catalyst for the one-pot, solvent-free synthesis of α-aminonitriles

Superparamagnetic Fe3O4 is shown to act as a very efficient catalyst for the one-pot, three-component synthesis of alpha-aminonitriles from aldehydes, amines, and TMSCN. The catalyst is easily recovered by the use of an external magnet and reused in several reactions without any noticeable loss of activity. The products are obtained rapidly at room temperature in good purity upon separation of the catalyst and evaporation of the volatiles of the reaction mixture. (C) 2009 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.