Highly efficient cyanoimidation of aldehydes.

Cyanoimidation of aldehydes using cyanamide as a nitrogen source and using NBS as an oxidant was achieved in high yields without the addition of a catalyst. The method has several advantages, including mild conditions, simple workflow, and inexpensive reagents. The reaction proceeds in a one-pot manner, giving rise to the formation of intermolecular C-N and C-O bonds. Subsequently, the substituted N-cyanobenimidate products may also undergo a cyclization reaction to give l,2,4-triazole derivatives in high yields.