Transformation of aromatic bromides into aromatic nitriles via formations of grignard reagents and their DMF adducts

Various aromatic bromides were efficiently transformed into the corresponding aromatic nitriles in good yields via the formations of Grignard reagents and subsequently N,N-dimethyl formamide (DMF) adducts, followed by treatment with molecular iodine (I-2) in aq NH3 at room temperature. The present reaction is an easy and practical method for the preparation of aromatic nitriles from aromatic bromides with less toxic reagents, such as Mg, DMF, I-2, and aq NH3. (C) 2011 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.