Copper(I)‐Mediated Cyanation of Boronic Acids

Abstract A simple cyanation reaction of boronic acids with cuprous cyanide is achieved, providing nitriles in moderate to good yields. In the presence of copper(I) iodide, trimethylsilyl cyanide is also a good cyanating reagent. The reaction can be conducted on a 10‐mmol scale. Thus, this new approach represents an exceedingly practical method for the synthesis of nitriles.