| abstract |
The present invention provides a method for producing a nitrile represented by general formula (1) (in the formula, R denotes an optionally substituted alkyl group, alkenyl group, dienyl group, aralkyl group or aryl group having a total of 3-20 carbon atoms), and the method includes heating an aldoxime represented by general formula (2) (in the formula, R denotes the same groups as those mentioned above) at 80-250° C. in the presence of an alkali metal or alkaline earth metal salt of phosphoric acid (catalyst A) and distilling off water generated as the reaction progresses to outside the reaction system. |