Selective Phthalimido-N-oxyl (PINO)-Catalyzed C–H Cyanation of Adamantane Derivatives

Abstract

We present a new method for the selective C(sp3)–H cyanation of adamantane derivatives with PINO as the hydrogen abstracting reagent. A cyano radical is thereby transferred from p -toluenesulfonyl cyanide, allowing the cyanation of adamantane derivatives in up to 71% yield. The protocol presents a novel way to orthogonally functionalized adamantanes that are otherwise difficult to prepare. Mechanistic studies support the hypothesis of a radical pathway.