Cu(TFA)2‐Catalyzed Picolinamido‐Directed C(sp2)−H Cyanation of Naphthalenes by Using Benzoyl Cyanide as a Cyano Source

Abstract

AbstractA protocol for the Cu(TFA)2‐catalyzed (TFA=trifluoroacetic acid) picolinamido‐directed C8−H cyanation of naphthalene derivatives with benzoyl cyanide as the cyano source has been developed. A series of 8‐cyano‐1‐(picolinamido)naphthalene derivatives were efficiently obtained in moderate to good yields by using this method. We prepared a total of 22 products, 10 of which have not previously been reported. Benzoyl cyanide was originally employed for the C(sp2)−H cyanation of arenes. The picolinamide moiety served a critical role as the directing group in this cyanation reaction of naphthalenes.