UV-Promoted Metal- and Photocatalyst-Free Direct Conversion of Aromatic Aldehydes to Nitriles

An efficient, simple, and catalyst-free UV-induced functional group transformation of aromatic aldehydes to nitriles has been reported. The developed strategy delivers various functionalized aromatic nitriles with high yields and purity. The UV irradiation activates the carbonyl group of aldehydes and leads to the formation of aldoxime intermediate, further resulting in the generation of nitriles. The striking highlights of the reported methodology are simple reaction conditions, good yields, UV-promoted transformation, and catalyst-free synthesis. Due to the above-mentioned advantages, the methodology provides a whip hand toward environmentally friendly chemical synthesis.