Nucleophilic Cyanation of Enones and Imines with Formamide as the Cyano Source

A convenient and safe cyano source for the nucleophilic 1,4‐addition to enones and 1,2‐addition to imines has been developed, by generating the cyano unit in situ. via the TCT‐assisted dehydration of formamide. This protocol distinguishes itself by transition‐ metal/ligand free conditions, compatibility with 1,4‐/1,2‐addition, readily available substrates and versatile synthetic utilities of the cyanated products.