Cobalt-catalyzed C-H cyanation of arenes and heteroarenes.

Abstract

Carboxylate assistance proved to be the key for the success of efficient cobalt(III)-catalyzed C-H cyanations. Thus, an in situ generated cationic cobalt complex was identified as a versatile catalyst for the site-selective synthesis of various aromatic and heteroaromatic nitriles with ample substrate scope.