A rapid and efficient synthesis of nitriles via dehydration from the corresponding
aldoximes has been carried out in the presence of ZnO/CH3COCl as catalyst under solvent free conditions in 83-95% yields. The zinc oxide (ZnO)
powder can be re-used upto three times after simple washing with CH2Cl2.
zinc oxide - acetyl chloride - dehydration - aldoximes - nitriles