Copper-catalyzed aerobic oxidative cleavage of C-C bonds in epoxides leading to aryl nitriles and aryl aldehydes.

Abstract

Novel copper-catalyzed aerobic synthesis of aryl nitriles and aldehydes from epoxides via C-C single bond cleavage has been discovered. This reaction provides a practical method toward the synthesis of aryl nitriles and aldehydes, which are versatile intermediates and building blocks in organic synthesis.