The copper-catalyzed regioselective allylic cyanation of allylic compounds with trimethylsilyl
cyanide (TMSCN) is described. Copper(I) iodide (CuI), copper(I) cyanide (CuCN) and
copper(II) chloride (CuCl2) are shown to effectively catalyze the cyanation of various allylic substrates to
afford the corresponding allylic cyanides in good yields and high regioselectivities.
The reaction in the presence of 2,2,6,6-tetramethyl-1-piperidinyloxy free radical
(TEMPO) reveals that the cyanation proceeds via a radical pathway.
Key words
copper - catalysis - regioselectivity - radical reaction - nitriles