?-Cyanation of Tertiary Amines

Abstract
The α-cyanation of tertiary amines is customarily accomplished by mercuric acetate oxidation of the amine to form the enamine, which on treatment with base yields the corresponding Schiff's base. Subsequent treatment with aqueous potassium cyanide yields the desired product2. Alternatively, and less commonly, the α-cyanation of tertiary amines can be carried out electrolytically3,4