α-Ketoalkynes react with KCN, catalyzed by anionic
Ni(0) cyano complexes in water,
affording unsaturated hydroxylactams. The active anionic species,
thought to be
[Ni(CN)4]4-,
can be formed in situ from Ni(II) cyano compounds under various
reduction conditions. A
possible mechanism, excluding Ni−hydride intermediates, is proposed.
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