A Ni/Co co-catalyzed reductive hydrocyanation of various alkynes was developed for the production of saturated nitriles. Hydrocyanic acid is generated in situ from safe and readily available formamide. Formamide played multiple roles as a cyano source, dehydrant, and reductant for the NiII pre-catalyst and vinyl nitriles, along with acting as the co-solvent in this reaction. Detailed mechanistic investigation supported a pathway via hydrocyanation of C≡C bond and the subsequent reduction of C=C bond. Wide substrate scope, the employment of a c...
