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

Abstract A convenient 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.