An efficient method for the hydrocyanation of unsaturated imines to synthesize β,γ-unsaturated α-aminonitriles by a one-pot two-step procedure using potassium hexacyanoferrate(II) as a cyanide source and benzoyl chloride as a promoter under catalyst-free condition is described. The advantages of this protocol are the use of a nontoxic, nonvolatile and inexpensive cyanating agent, no use of transition metal catalysts, high yield and simple work-up procedure.

A series of novel 2-aryl-3-(9-alkylcarbazol-3-yl)thiazolidin-4-ones were synthesized by one-pot three-component reactions of 3-amino-9-alkylcarbazoles, aromatic aldehydes, and 2-mercaptoacetic acid by using dicyclohexylcarbodiimide (DCC) as a cyclizing agent in dry diethyl ether at room temperature. This protocol has advantages of mild condition, short reaction time, high yield, and simple work-up procedure.

A chemoselective route for the synthesis of 2-aryl-3,3-dibromoacrylonitriles by solvent-free cyanation of α,α-dibromoacetophenones by using potassium hexacyanoferrate(II) as an eco-friendly cyanide source is developed. The merits of this procedure include avoiding the use of a strong toxic cyanide source, a catalyst, and volatile organic solvents and the high yields of the products.

(Un)substituted benzaldehyde (5-aryl-1,3,4-thiadiazol-2-yl)hydrazones were efficiently synthesized by reactions of (un)substituted benzaldehyde thiocarbohydrazones with aromatic carboxylic acids by using silica-supported dichlorophosphate as a recoverable dehydrant under microwave irradiation. The protocol has advantages of short reaction time, high yield, easy work-up procedure and no environmental pollution.