Palladium-Catalyzed Carbonylation with Mo(CO)6 for the Synthesis of Benzoylacetonitriles

Abstract

Benzoylacetonitriles were synthesized by the palladium-catalyzed carbonylation of aryl iodides and trimethylsilylacetonitrile using Mo(CO)6 as a carbon monoxide source. Pd(PPh3)Cl2 and CuF2 were employed as the catalyst and activator, respectively. A variety of aryl iodides bearing alkyl, alkoxy, fluoro, chloro, bromo, nitrile, ester, and ketone groups afforded the corresponding benzoylacetonitriles in moderate to good yields.