| abstract |
A process for producing a nitrile represented by the general formula (1): RC = N wherein R represents alkyl, alkenyl, aralkyl or aryl each of which may be substituted, by heating an aldoxime represented by the general formula (2): RCH = NOH wherein R is as defined above, in the presence of at least one catalyst selected among hydroxides and alcoholates of alkali metals and alkaline earth metals, and distilling off water formed in the course of the reaction from the reaction system. The process enables nitriles useful as the starting material for the organic synthesis of perfumes, medicines and so forth to be produced in high yields at a remarkably reduced production cost. |