Acetone cyanohydrin

CAS 75-86-5, Cat. No EN300-19189

Reagent source of cyano anion

Acetone cyanohydrin is widely used as a source for cyano anion in many reactions. For example, it is a popular choice for cyanohydrynations of aldehydes and ketones, chemical synthesis of α-amino acids by the Strecker reaction, and 1,4-additions of α,β-unsaturated carbonyl compounds. Acetone cyanohydrin is also can be used in the Mitsunobu reaction for primary and secondary alcohols and successfully yield corresponding alkanenitriles in good to moderate yield with an inversion of stereochemistry.

Synonyms: Cyanohydrin-2-propanone, α-Hydroxyisobutyronitrile, 2-Hydroxy-2-methyl-propionitrile

Selected publication

1. Acetone Cyanohydrin.

Haroutounian S. A. Encyclopedia of Reagents for Organic Synthesis 2001. DOI: 10.1002/047084289X.ra014