Conjugate Hydrocyanation of Aromatic Enones Using Potassium Hexacyanoferrate(II) as an Eco-Friendly Cyanide Source

A selective conjugate hydrocyanation of aromatic enones by a one-pot, two-step procedure using potassium hexacyanoferrate(II) as an original eco-friendly cyanide source, potassium hydroxide as a base, and benzoyl chloride as a promoter was described. This protocol has the advantages of a nontoxic cyanide source, high yield, and simple workup procedure.