Production of Quaternary α-Aminonitriles by Means of Indium-Catalyzed Three-Component Reaction of Alkynes, Amines, and Trimethylsilyl Cyanide.

A novel synthesis of α-aminonitriles is described via an indium-catalyzed three-component coupling reaction of alkynes, amines, and trimethylsilyl cyanide (Me3SiCN). Hydroamination of alkynes with a subsequent nucleophilic addition of Me3SiCN resulted in a novel approach to quaternary α-aminonitrile derivatives.