Production of 2-aminonitrile racemate

PURPOSE: To efficiently racemize an optically active 2-aminonitrile under a mild condition by treating it with a prussiate compound in an organic solvent. CONSTITUTION: An optically active 2-aminonitrile of formula I or II (R is an alkyl, phenyl, imidazolyl, indolyl, furil, pyridinyl or thiazolyl which may be each substitutable) is reacted with a prussiate compound in a lower alcohol or a mixture solvent of a lower alcohol and benzene, toluene, THF, ethyl acetate, etc., at a temperature within a range of 20 to 50°C for 10min to 1hr, thus producing the objective racemic 2-aminonitrile represented by formula I or II. The obtained racemate is useful for producing an amino acid of high optical- purity. COPYRIGHT: (C)1993,JPO&Japio