A Selective Hydration of Nitriles Catalysed by a Pd(OAc)2-based System in Water

In situ formation of a [Pd(OAc)(2)bipy] (bipy = 2,2'-bipyridyl) complex in water selectively catalyses the hydration of a wide range of organonitriles at 70 degrees C. Catalyst loadings of 5 mol% afford primary amide products in excellent yields in the absence of hydration-promoting additives such as oximes and hydroxylamines. (C) 2017 Published by Elsevier Ltd.