Potassium Thiocyanate as Source of Cyanide for the Oxidative α‑Cyanation of Tertiary Amines

Oxidation at the sulfur of the safe-to-handle potassium thiocyanate releases cyanide units that are trapped in the presence of co-oxidized tertiary amines to form α-amino nitriles. These cyanations work in aqueous solutions and do not require a catalyst, nor do they form toxic byproducts.