Nucleophilic Acylation with Aromatic Aldehydes to 2 Bromoacetonitrile: An Umpolung Strategy for the Synthesis of Active Methylene Compounds

Synthesis of β-Ketonitriles via N-Heterocyclic-Carbene-Catalyzed Radical Coupling of Aldehydes and Azobis(isobutyronitrile)

Herein, an NHC (N-heterocyclic carbene)-catalyzed radical coupling reaction between aldehydes and azobis(isobutyronitrile) (AIBN) has been developed. This method provides an efficient and convenient approach for the synthesis of β-ketonitriles containing a quaternary carbon center (31 examples, up to >99% yield) utilizing commercially available substrates. This protocol features broad substrate scope, good functional group tolerance, and high efficiency under metal-free and mild reaction conditions.

Transition-metal-catalyst-free reaction of amides and acetonitriles: synthesis of β-ketonitriles

The first example of the coupling reaction between amide and acetonitrile for the synthesis of β-ketonitriles was developed. Various amides provide the corresponding β-ketonitriles in good yields.