By screening the copper catalysts,ligands,and the reaction conditions,a simple CuCl/DMEDA/TEMPO catalyst system readily available from commercial sources is developed for a direct and selective synthesis of the useful nitriles by an aerobic oxidation reaction of primary amines using air as an advantageous oxidant under mild conditions. By screening the copper catalysts, ligands, and the reaction conditions, a simple CuCl / DMEDA / TEMPO catalyst system may available from commercial sources is developed for a direct and selective synthesis of the useful nitriles by an aerobic oxidation reaction of primary amines using air as an advantageous oxidant under mild conditions.