Recent Advances on Radical-Mediated Cyanoalkylation/Cyanation using AIBN and Analogues as the Radical Sources

Abstract AIBN (2,2′-azobisisobutyronitrile) and analogues are readily available chemical reagents that are widely used as free-radical initiators of polymer chemistry. Importantly, AIBN and derivatives are also safe and efficient (alkyl)cyano sources for synthesizing cyano-containing scaffolds. In the past decades, synthetic strategies using AIBN and derivatives as radical sources have attracted increasing attention from the synthetic community. This review will provide a valuable tool for understanding the importance of AIBN and derivatives in the area of synthetic chemistry. In this context, we present a comprehensive review that guides readers through the developments in AIBN chemistry over the past five years from several aspects. 1 Introduction 2 Radical Addition onto Alkenes or Alkynes using AIBN as Cyanoalkyl Radical 3 Dehydrogenated, decarboxylated cyano-alkylation by using AIBN and analogues 4 Synthesis of Ketone and its Derivatives with AIBN and Analogues as Carbonyl Source 5 Construction of Multi-ring Skeletons in the Presence of AIBN and Analogues 6 Direct Application as Cyano (CN) Source in Cyanation Reactions 7 Conclusions