Copper-catalyzed decarboxylative cross-coupling of cinnamic acids and ACCN via single electron transfer

A novel and convenient method for the synthesis of beta,gamma-unsaturated nitriles using ACCN (1,1'-azobis(cyclohexane-1-carbonitrile)) as a cyano source was described. This reaction was amenable to a broad range of substrates and provided the desired beta,gamma-unsaturated nitriles containing an all-carbon quaternary carbon center in moderate yields with high selectivity via single electron transfer and decarboxylation.