Pd/Cu-Mediated Cyanation of Boronic Acids with Benzylthiocyanate

Significance

Novel methods for the preparation of aryl nitriles are of much interest for organic chemistry, as those compounds are widely spread among pharmaceuticals, agrochemicals and other biologically active compounds. Usual methods for their preparation mostly suffer from the need of harsh conditions and a limited functional-group compatibility. This protocol allows the preparation of aryl and alkenyl nitriles from the corresponding boronic acids under relatively mild conditions with very good functional-group compatibility. The starting thiocyanate and the catalysts are commercially available compounds.