A metal-free, base-mediated decyanation of α-aminonitriles has been developed to synthesize secondary and tertiary amides using O 2 or air as an amide oxygen source. Radical scavenging studies disclosed that the cleavage of CÀ CN bond may proceed via an anionic pathway. The practicality of the work was also demonstrated through an in situ generated α-aminonitriles from corresponding aldehydes and amines to afford amides. The important features of this work include broad functional group compatibility, 41% to 89% product yields, gramscale synthesis of 2°and 3°amides, broad substrate scope, and an umpolung strategy.