Research report 2016 - Max-Planck-Institut für Kohlenforschung

Towards safer chemical reactions: HCN-free hydrocyanation through shuttle catalysis

Authors
Willems, Suzanne; Morandi, Bill
Departments
Max-Planck-Institut für Kohlenforschung, Mülheim an der Ruhr
Summary
The development of safer catalytic reactions is an important goal towards a greener chemical industry. Recently, we introduced a new concept in catalysis, shuttle catalysis, which has led to the discovery of a safer hydrocyanation process that does not rely on the use of highly toxic and volatile hydrogen cyanide. This new process facilitates the interconversion of synthetically relevant nitriles and alkenes and should inspire the invention of other transfer reactions that elude the need for hazardous reagents in the laboratory.

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