Selective cross-coupling of α,β-unsaturated nitriles with aldehydes or alcohols by hydrogen transfer catalysis towards β-ketonitriles and glutaronitriles

A Ru-catalyzed selective hydroacylation of acrylonitriles with aldehydes or alcohols towards β-ketonitriles is established. Glutaronitriles can be obtained through a one-step tandem hydroacylation and Michael addition of acrylonitrile and alcohols.