A new synthesis of aryl hetaryl ketones <i>via</i> S_<i>RN</i>1 reactions of halogenated heterocycles with potassiophenylacetonitrile followed by phase‐transfer catalyzed decyanation

Abstract

Abstract Reaction of halogenated pyridines, quinolines, pyrimidines, and pyrazines with potassiophenylacetonitrile ( 5 ) in liquid ammonia under near‐uv irradiation affords secondary nitriles, which then undergo oxidative decyanation under phase‐transfer catalytic conditions to afford aryl hetaryl ketones in excellent yields.