An efficient method for the addition of trimethylsilyl cyanide (TMSCN) to various aldehydes and ketones has been described using LiNTf 2 (1 mol%) as a catalyst at room temperature under solvent-free conditions. The advantages of this method are easy work-up, mild reaction conditions, high yields and the catalyst exhibited remarkable reusable activity.

An efficient approach to the synthesis of symmetrical N,N′-alkylidine bisamides from various aldehydes and amides in the presence of silica supported perchloric acid (HClO 4-SiO 2) has been described. The advantages of this method are easy work-up, short reaction times, excellent yields and the catalyst exhibited remarkable reusable activity.