Radical Alkylcyanation of 1,6-Enynes with Isonitriles as Bifunctional Reagents

We report a radical cyano-cyclization of 1,6-enynes with isonitriles via photochemically driven nickel catalysis, forging alkenyl nitrile-tethered γ-lactams under mild conditions. This reaction leverages the photoexcitation of in situ generated nickel (isonitrile) species to facilitate isonitriles serving as alkyl radical precursors and cyanide sources. The reaction accommodates a wide range of substrates, exhibiting excellent regioselectivity and Z/E stereoselectivity.