An operationally simple and high-yielding procedure has been developed for the conversion of primary amides to the corresponding nitriles, using ethyl dichlorophosphate/DBU as the mild dehydrating agent.

Significance: A highly selective, safe, and potent CXCR4 antagonist, BPRCX807, has been designed and experimentally validated in various hepatocellular carcinoma models. Through combination therapy, it can synergize with either a kinase (e.g., sorafenib) or checkpoint inhibitor (e.g. anti–PD-1) to augment effectiveness of current anticancer treatments. With its unique mode of action, a new anticancer strategy for preventing cell migration and metastasis is provided.

A new and efficient procedure for the one-pot conversion of various aldehydes into the corresponding nitriles under mild reaction conditions has been developed. The ethyl dichlorophosphate/DBU-mediated dehydration of aldoxime intermediates was utilized as a key operation to effect the transformation.