A state-of-the-art cyanation of aryl bromides: A novel and versatile copper catalyst system inspired by nature

A general protocol for the cyanation of aryl halides with the nontoxic cyanide source K-4[Fe(CN)(6)] using copper catalysis and a ligand system based on 1-alkylimidazoles is presented. The advantages of this system are the high selectivity, a unique substrate range, easy handling, and inexpensive reagents.