NaY Zeolite: A Useful Catalyst for Nitrile Hydrolysis

Abstract

The NaY zeolite catalysed hydrolysis of nitriles to primary amides is reported. It is found that aryl nitriles with strong electron-withdrawing substituents and cyanopyridines are readily hydrolysed in the water suspension, while aliphatic nitriles do not react.

Keywords

• NaY zeolite
• aromatic nitriles
• solvolysis