Cu-Catalyzed Cyanation of Indoles with Acetonitrile as a Cyano Source

Cu-catalyzed cyanation of indoles with acetonitrile for the synthesis of 3-cyanoindoles has been developed. The Cu/TEMPO/(Me3Si)2 system has been identified to promote highly efficient and selective C–H cyanation of indoles by use of unactivated acetonitrile as a cyano source via a sequential iodination/cyanation process in one pot. This reaction furnishes 3-cyanoindoles in moderate to good yields and tolerates a series of functional groups. Moreover, low-cost copper catalysts and hazardless acetonitrile as a cyano source feature the practicability of this reaction.