Reusable Co-catalysts for general and selective α-alkylation of nitriles with alcohols

A general cobalt-catalyzed alpha-alkylation of nitriles with alcohols is reported. Utilizing this straightforward borrowing hydrogen methodology, a series of substituted and functionalized nitriles can be easily coupled with benzylic, heterocyclic, and aliphatic alcohols to prepare diverse functionalized nitriles in good to excellent yields (>70 examples). Key for this synthesis is the use of specific cobalt-nanoparticles supported on N-doped carbon, which were conveniently prepared by pyrolysis of a templated material generated in situ by mixing cobalt chloride, zinc chloride, d-glucosamine hydrochloride, and colloidal silica, and subsequent removal of the silica.