Nickel-Catalyzed Selective C–H Cyanation via Aromatic Thianthrenium Salts

Here, we report the first case of nickel-catalyzed C–H cyanation via arylthianthrenium salts. The reaction features the use of air-stable and inexpensive NiCl2·6H2O as a catalyst for the highly selective construction of cyanation products by aromatic pre-thianthrenation. The mechanism study shows that the formation of aryl radicals is involved. Also, this protocol can be applied to the late-stage functionalization of bioactive molecules and is readily scalable, further showcasing the synthetic utility.