Gold-Catalyzed C–N Cross-Coupling Reactions of Aryl Iodides with Alkyl Nitriles or Silver Cyanate

We have gold-catalyzed C–N cross-couplings of aryl iodides with aliphatic nitriles. Although nitriles are usually challenging nitrogen cross-coupling partners, they could be activated by base-mediated deprotonation and isomerization. The method utilizes widely available substrates in moderate to good yields to provide various N-aryl compounds. In addition, a similar strategy could be extended to the cross-couplings of aryl iodides with silver cyanate. The protocol features high humidity/air tolerance and works inter- and intramolecularly.