Bromodimethylsulfonium bromide (BDMS): a useful reagent for conversion of aldoximes and primary amides to nitriles

An operationally simple and high yielding procedure has been developed for the preparation of nitriles from aldoximes and primary amides using bromodimethylsulfonium bromide (BDMS) as a novel and efficient reagent in the absence of any added base or catalyst. The optimal protocol is applicable to access a wide range of cyano compounds including aromatic, heterocyclic, and aliphatic species. The conversion of aldoximes to nitriles takes place at room temperature in acetonitrile, whereas acetonitrile at reflux temperature is required for rapid conversion in the case of primary amides.