An Efficient Method for the Preparation of Nitriles via the Dehydration of Aldoximes with Phthalic Anhydride

A new and highly efficient method for the conversion of aldoximes to nitriles was established. By fusing with phthalic anhydride, aldoximes were efficiently and smoothly converted into nitriles, in high yields (over 85%) and in a short time (within 5 minutes). The mixture of phthalic anhydride, a cyclic anhydride, and aldoximes in fusing state set up an ideal transition state for a selective [3.3]‐sigmatropic rearrangement of the acylated aldoximes to nitriles.