Nickel-catalyzed cyanation of phenol derivatives activated by 2,4,6-trichloro-1,3,5-triazine

A nickel-catalyzed cyanation of phenol derivatives activated by 2,4,6-trichloro-1,3,5-triazine (TCT) using aminoacetonitrile as the cyanating agent is described. This catalytic system delivered the desired products in moderate to good yields with good substrate compatibility. The readily available starting materials, cost-effective nickel catalyst and metal-free cyanating agent are the major features of the present method.