Rapid and Simple Access to alpha-(Hetero)arylacetonitriles from Gem-Difluoroalkenes

A scalable cyanation of gem-difluoroalkenes to (hetero)arylacetonitrile derivatives was developed. This strategy features mild reaction conditions, excellent yields, wide substrate scope, and broad functional group tolerance. Significantly, in this reaction, aqueous ammonia offers a N source for the CN reagent and entirely avoids the use of toxic cyanating reagents or metal catalysis. Hence, we provide a green and alternative method for the synthesis of arylacetonitriles.

Automated summary

This study proposes a green alternative method using aqueous ammonia as the N source for the cyanating reagent, entirely avoiding the use of toxic cyanating reagents or metal catalysis.