Synthesis of β-Hydroxy Nitriles via Indium-Induced Coupling of Bromoacetonitrile with Carbonyl Compounds

Abstract
The organoindium reagent, derived from indium metal and bromoacetonitrile, reacted with carbonyl compounds in the presence of chlorotrimethylsilane to give, after hydrolysis, β-hydroxy nitriles. The coupling proceeded with high chemoselectivity, though the diastereoselectivity was low.