Three-Component Synthesis of α-Amino-α-aryl Carbonitriles from Arynes, Aroyl Cyanides, and N, N- Dimethylformamide

A general and efficient synthesis of -amino--aryl carbonitriles through the three-component reaction of arynes, aroyl cyanides, and DMF in a single step is described. DMF was not only used as the solvent, but it also participated in the reaction as a component. Used as the cyanide sources, the aroyl cyanides solved the toxicity and solubility problems associated with the use of HCN or metal cyanides in the Strecker synthesis. This procedure furnished -amino--aryl carbonitriles in moderate to good yields with broad substrate scope. Moreover, this reaction could be performed under mild conditions with high atom economy.