Direct Transformation of Methyl Arenes to Aryl Nitriles at Room Temperature

Abstract

Three CH bonds are cleaved in the direct transformation of methyl arenes to aryl nitriles under mild and neutral conditions (see scheme). This new synthetic tool may not only be used to construct synthetically and medicinally important aryl nitriles, it also achieves CH functionalization under mild conditions. PIDA=phenyliodonium diacetate.