The direct α-alkenylation of nitrile was realized with palladium catalyst for the first time. Both cyano group and alkenyl group in the product can be functionalized, rendering this method a powerful protocol to synthesis a series of useful compounds.

Abstract

A direct α-alkenylation of nitrile compounds was realized with a palladium complex. This method exhibited excellent tolerance toward a variety of α-aryl alkyl nitriles and vinyl bromides, leading to the formation of a series of α-quaternary nitriles containing vinyl groups. Further manipulations of the obtained products were demonstrated, highlighting the potential synthetic utility of this method.