Nickel-catalyzed asymmetric reductive arylcyanation of alkenes with acetonitrile as the cyano source

Chiral 3-cyanomethyl oxindoles were synthesized in high enantioselectivities and yields. The employment of acetonitrile as a cyano source via Zn(OTf) 2 -assisted β-carbon elimination is distinct from the common cyanation reaction modes.