Synthesis 2009(12): 1941-1959  
DOI: 10.1055/s-0029-1216839
REVIEW
© Georg Thieme Verlag Stuttgart ˙ New York

The Chemistry of Deprotonated α-Aminonitriles

Till Opatz*
Institut für Organische Chemie, Universität Hamburg, Martin-Luther-King-Platz 6, 20146 Hamburg, Germany
Fax: +49(40)428383834; e-Mail: opatz@chemie.uni-hamburg.de;
Further Information

Publication History

Received 9 March 2009
Publication Date:
29 May 2009 (online)

Abstract

This review highlights various aspects of the chemistry of the anions of α-aminonitriles. Their structural features and their characteristic reactivity are discussed, along with various methods for their preparation. Special emphasis is given to synthetic applications of deprotonated α-aminonitriles which have been used as valuable and readily accessible synthetic equivalents of acyl anions and α-aminocarbanions.

1 Introduction

2 Structure and Reactivity of Deprotonated α-Aminonitriles

3 Alkylations

4 Opening of Epoxides

5 1,2-Additions

6 Acylations

7 1,4-Additions

8 Reactions of Unsaturated α-Aminonitriles

9 Other Reactions

10 Deprotonation of N-Monosubstituted and N-Unsubstituted α-Aminonitriles

11 Deprotonated α-Aminonitriles in Asymmetric Synthesis

12 Conclusions