Ag2CO3-mediated direct functionalization of alkyl nitriles: Facile synthesis of γ-ketonitriles through nitrile alkylation of enol acetates

Abstract

Direct C(sp3)-H functionalization of alkyl nitriles is a low toxic and facile route to nitrile-containing compounds. In this research, the Ag2CO3-mediated nitrile methylenation of enol acetates is developed to prepare gamma-ketonitriles through the direct C(sp(3))-H oxidative functionalization of acetonitrile. A radical pathway is proposed, and acetonitrile serves both as solvent and CN-containing radical source. (C) 2019 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.