P(RNCH(2)CH(2))(3)N-Catalyzed Synthesis of beta-Hydroxy Nitriles.

We herein report the successful synthesis of beta-hydroxy nitriles in very good to excellent yields from aldehydes and ketones in a simple reaction that is promoted by strong nonionic bases of the title type. The reaction occurs in the presence of magnesium salts which activate the carbonyl group and stabilizes the enolate thus produced.

Superbase-Promoted Acylation of Hindered Alcohols.

The commercially available nonionic superbase P(MeNCH(2)CH(2))(3)N (1a) is very useful for the acylation of unreactive hindered alcohols as well as acid-sensitive alcohols. The reactions proceed in high yields using an acid anhydride, and 1a can be regenerated in a single step. The relative rates for benzoylation of (+/-)-menthol in C(6)D(6) using conventional acylation reagents and strong nonionic bases are compared. In general, acetylation with 1a is accelerated in the polar solvent CH(3)CN whereas benzoylation is faster in the nonpolar solvent C(6)H(6). The benzoylation intermediate RC(O)P(MeNCH(2)CH(2))(3)N(+) was found to be in equilibrium with 1a, with lower temperatures favoring the intermediate. The relative stabilities of several known acylating intermediates are compared.