Cyanation of glycine derivatives

We report a catalytic oxidative C-H cyanation of glycine derivatives using a simple copper(i) catalyst with NFSI as an oxidant via a radical process to furnish alpha-cyano glycine derivatives, which are useful intermediates for organic synthesis. CuCl acted as both a one-electron reductant and a transition-metal catalyst in this transformation. NFSI served as a one-electron oxidant and generated a N-centered radical as a H-abstractor. The reaction displayed broad substrate scope and mild reaction conditions.

Automated summary

A new method for preparing alpha-cyano glycine derivatives through catalytic oxidative reaction using a copper catalyst and NFSI oxidant was reported, with broad substrate scope and mild reaction conditions. CuCl acted as a one-electron reductant and transition-metal catalyst, while NFSI served as a one-electron oxidant generating a N-centered radical as a H-abstractor.