Copper-catalyzed cyanation of benzyl chlorides with non-toxic K4[Fe(CN)6]

Abstract: Copper-based catalysts were firstly introduced into the cyanation of benzyl chlorides with non-toxic K4[Fe(CN)6]. The presented method avoids the use of extremely poisonous alkali cyanides and precious palladium catalysts. No other reagent apart from CuI, K4[Fe(CN)6] and toluene was used in the cyanation, showing that the presented protocol is simple and practical. A series of benzyl chlorides were smoothly cyanated in up to 85% yield under the optimal conditions. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]