Synthesis of α-Aryl Esters and Nitriles: Deaminative Coupling of α-Aminoesters and α-Aminoacetonitriles with Arylboronic Acids

Transition-metal-free synthesis of alpha-aryl esters and nitriles using arylboronic acids with alpha-aminoesters and alpha-aminoacetonitriles, respectively, as the starting materials has been developed. The reaction represents a rare case of converting C(sp(3)) N bonds into C(sp(3)) C(sp(2)) bonds. The reaction conditions are mild, demonstrate good functional-group tolerance, and can be scaled up.