Simple and convenient access to α,α,α-trisubstituted amides by double addition of Grignard reagents to acyl cyanohydrins.

The double addition of Grignard (alkyl, aryl, alkenyl, alkynyl) reagents to acyl cyanohydrins was performed under unusually smooth conditions with a concomitant O-N acyl transfer, providing a very simple and general access to α,α,α-trisubstituted amides.