Synthesis of Optically Active (E)-γ-Hydroxy-α, β-unsaturated Nitriles

Abstract

Treatment of (2S, 3S)- or (2R, 3S)-1-cyano-2, 3-alkanediols with carbonyldiimidazole or thionyl chloride resulted in one-pot preparation of (E, S)-γ-hydroxy-α, β-unsaturated nitriles based on the elimination of the cyclic carbonates or sulfites formed in situ