Copper‐Catalyzed Regioselective Cyanation/Diarylmethylation of Formamides: Construction of α‐Cyano Functionalized Tetra‐Substituted Olefins

Comprehensive Summary A copper‐catalyzed cyanation/diarylmethylation of formamides has been developed for the synthesis of α‐cyano functionalized tetra‐substituted olefins by utilizing para ‐quinone methides ( p ‐QMs) and trimethylcyanosilane as functionalization sources. Various kinds of p ‐QMs and formamides are well tolerated, delivering the desired products with 72%—94% yields, demonstrating broad functional group tolerance. Notably, the reaction does not require noble metals and proceeds regioselectively under mild conditions. Based on step‐by‐step control experiments, Hammett studies and DFT calculation, a plausible mechanism is proposed.