A Stereoselective α-Hydroxylation of Cyclohexanecarbonitriles

Abstract

The traditional approach to the synthesis of cyanohydrins from carbonyl compounds was augmented by a recent approach involving the α-hydroxylation of nitriles.¹ Each synthetic method possesses certain limitations and yet offers distinct advantages in scope.² Although both methods provide useful syntheses of cyanohydrins of cyclohexanones, it was of interest to contrast the stereoselectivity of the nitrile and ketone approach in cyclohexyl systems.