Cyanation and Hydrolysis Cascade of Aryl Bromides with Cuprous Cyanide to Access Primary Amides

Abstract A convenient and efficient approach for the cyanation and hydrolysis of aryl bromides to afford primary amides was developed, in which cuprous cyanide is used as a cyanide source and a catalyst. It has the advantages of excellent functional-group compatibility, medium to high yields, a one-pot procedure, and a non-noble-metal catalyst. The reaction could be performed on a gram scale to give N-allyl-N-methyl-5-nitroisophthalamide in a 73% yield.