Synthesis of α‐Aryl Nitriles through Palladium‐Catalyzed Decarboxylative Coupling of Cyanoacetate Salts with Aryl Halides and Triflates

Worth its salt: The palladium-catalyzed decarboxylative coupling of the cyanoacetate salt as well as its mono- and disubstituted derivatives with aryl chlorides, bromides, and triflates is described (see scheme). This reaction is potentially useful for the preparation of a diverse array of α-aryl nitriles and has good functional group tolerance. S-Phos=2-(2,6-dimethoxybiphenyl)dicyclohexylphosphine), Xant-Phos=4,5-bis(diphenylphosphino)-9,9-dimethylxanthene. Detailed facts of importance to specialist readers are published as "Supporting Information". Such documents are peer-reviewed, but not copy-edited or typeset. They are made available as submitted by the authors. Please note: The publisher is not responsible for the content or functionality of any supporting information supplied by the authors. Any queries (other than missing content) should be directed to the corresponding author for the article.