Synthesis of 3-Cyanoindole Derivatives Mediated by Copper(I) Iodide Using Benzyl Cyanide

Abstract

Copper-mediated direct and regioselective C3-cyanation of indoles using benzyl cyanide as the cyanide anion source is presented. A wide range of indoles undergo cyanation smoothly by employing a reaction system of copper(I) iodide under open-to-air vessels.