In the introduction, it was mentioned that there has only been one report for the direct oxidative conversion of alcohols to nitriles in a one-pot procedure [using NH4HCO3/(Bu4)2S2O8/cat. Cu(HCO2)2·Ni(HCO2)2 in aq. KOH and i-PrOH].
However, another method, using MnO2, NH3 and MgSO4 in i-PrOH-THF on activated alcohols such as benzylic and cinnamic alcohols, has also been reported: ‘Tandem Oxidation Processes: The Direct Conversion of Activated Alcohols into Nitriles’ - McAllister, G. D.; Wilfred, C. D.; Taylor, R. J. K. Synlett 2002, 1291.
