Isonitrile aldol reaction

Fossey and Richards have already reported the synthesis of Pt and Pd bisoxazo-line containing NCN-pincer complexes these complexes were found to be active as catalysts for the Michael reaction of activated nitriles and the aldol reaction between isonitriles and aldehydes [43]. Recently, they continuously studied on the addition of trimethylsilyl cyanide to benzaldehyde (la) catalyzed by complexes (139) (Scheme 16.37) [44]. The most effective catalyst was found when trifluo-romethanesulfonate (OTf) was used as counteranion, resulting in good conversion of benzaldehyde under the standard conditions used. Furthermore, in the addition of trimethylsilylcyanide (TMSCN) to N-benzylideneaniline (110a) in the presence of (130) (1 mol%) provided (141) in a 77% conversion. 

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