Novel reaction of dibutyl(cyanomethyl)telluronium chloride with carbonyl compounds mediated by organolithium reagents: highly efficient synthesis of β-hydroxy nitriles

Abstract
Dibutyl(cyanomethyl)telluronium chloride, a precursor of stabilized telluronium glides, after being treated with organolithium reagents reacted with carbonyl compounds to afford β-hydroxy nitriles instead of α,β-unsaturated nitrites in excellent yields.