An Efficient and Improved Method for the Preparation of Nitriles from Primary Amides and Aldoximes†

The pivaloyl chloride‐pyridine system has been utilized as a novel and efficient reagent for the preparation of nitriles from primary amides and aldoximes. The reaction proceeds smoothly under mild reaction conditions and the products are obtained in excellent yields. This method is applicable to a wide range of substrates including aromatic, heterocyclic and aliphatic species. The dehydration takes place at room temperature in the case of primary amides and dichloromethane at reflux temperature is required for rapid conversion in the case of aldoximes.