Catalytic Diverse Radical-Mediated 1,2-Cyanofunctionalization of Unactivated Alkenes via Synergistic Remote Cyano Migration and Protected Strategies

A catalytic radical protocol for 1,2-cyanofunctionalization of unactivated alkenes involving remote cyano migration triggered by addition of diverse carbon- and heteroatom-centered radicals to alkenes has been developed. This powerful strategy provides a diverse platform for the collection of a variety of synthetically important beta-functionalized alkyl nitriles bearing densely functionalized carbonyl, cyano, and other various functional groups within the same molecules. The substrates TMS (trimethylsilyl)-protected alkenyl cyanohydrins are straightforwardly accessible via simple cyanosilylation of the corresponding ketones.