These syntheses were carried out through the action of the corresponding hydroxy-nitrile upon magnesium phenyl bromide in an anhydrous ether medium. Over two equivalents of the Grignard reagent were employed, one to react with the phenol group and the other with the nitrile. The addition compound was decomposed with water and ammonium chloride at about -15 degrees C. The ketimine extracted with ether was precipitated as the hydrochloride by the addition of dry hydrogen chloride. The hydroxynitriles were prepared from the corresponding hydroxy-aldehydes by the action of acetic anhydride on their oximes. Some modifications were worked out in the preparation of the oximes and the nitriles
