I2/Li2CO3-promoted cyanation of diarylalcohols through a dual activation process

Abstract

One-step base promoted strategy for cyanation of α,α-diaryl alcohols has been developed under mild and transition metal-free conditions. This method provides a straightforward and facile way towards the synthesis of β,γ-unsaturated nitriles and α-phenylnitiriles from α-vinyl carbinols and α,α-diaryl methanols, respectively, up to 99% yield. Moreover, various azides and ethers could also be accessed from their respective nucleophiles under standard reaction conditions.