Short incubation (1 - 5 h) of aromatic dinitriles with resting cells of Rhodococcus equi A4 produces the corresponding cyano amides in 48 - 81 % yield. The substrate reactivity decreases in order 1,4- greater than or equal to 1,3- > 1,2-disubstitution. Prolonged treatment (20 - 50 h) is needed to achieve the conversion to acid or for transformation of the second cyano group.