Efficient three-component Strecker reaction of acetals and aromatic amines catalysed by hafnium tetrachloride at room temperature

A straightforward, mild, efficient, one-pot method has been found for the synthesis of á-aminonitriles via three-component Strecker reaction using acetals or cyclic acetals, curious aromatic amines and trimethylsilyl cyanide (TMSCN) catalysed by hafnium tetrachloride at room temperature. It is with good to excellent yields under mild conditions. This developed approach has been successfully applied for the synthesis of a wild rang of á-aminonitriles with a variety of functional groups.