I2/Li2CO3-promoted cyanation of diarylalcohols through a dual activation process

One-step base promoted strategy for cyanation of alpha,alpha-diaryl alcohols has been developed under mild and transition metal-free conditions. This method provides a straightforward and facile way towards the synthesis of beta,gamma-unsaturated nitriles and alpha-phenylnitiriles from alpha-vinyl carbinols and alpha,alpha-diaryl methanols, respectively, up to 99% yield. Moreover, various azides and ethers could also be accessed from their respective nucleophiles under standard reaction conditions. (C) 2018 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.