Cyanative self-condensation of aromatic aldehydes promoted by VO(O(i)Pr)(3)-Lewis base as a cooperative catalyst.

Self-condensation of aromatic aldehydes with trimethylsilyl cyanide proceeded by the cooperative catalytic effect of VO(O(i)Pr)(3) and a Lewis base to give the corresponding O-acylated cyanohydrins. The reaction conversion and selectivity were strongly dependent on the solvent used, the Lewis base, and the presence of oxygen. All the nine kinds of aromatic aldehydes considered herein afforded the O-acylated cyanohydrins with excellent selectivity under an O(2) atmosphere.