A Mild Synthesis of Nitriles by TPPX2-promoted Dehydration of Primary Amides

An expeditious route to nitriles via dehydration of primary amides using halotriphenoxy phosphonium halides (TPPX2, X = Cl or Br) is described. The reaction proceeds under very mild conditions and allows the preparation of aromatic and aliphatic nitriles in good to excellent yields.