Synthesis and Nucleophilic Ring-Opening of 1,1-Dicyanocyclopropanes: Accessing β-Aminocarbonyl Derivatives from Olefins

We report an atom-transfer radical addition-ring closure sequence for the preparation of 1,1-dicyanocyclopropane electrophiles and demonstrate their nucleophilic ring-opening with alkyl amines under mild conditions. The resulting aminomalononitrile products were converted to complex β-aminocarbonyl derivatives in one pot under aerobic conditions.