One-pot Synthesis of Aroyl Cyanides Under Solvent-free and Catalyst-free Conditions

A series of aroyl cyanides was synthesized by nucleophilic substitution reactions of aromatic acids with thionyl chloride and potassium ferricyanide in one-pot under solvent-free and catalyst-free conditions. The effects of the reaction temperature and time on the yield of the products were investigated. The yields of aroyl cyanides were up to 71% ～ 92% when the reactions were performed at 180 ℃ for 2 h. The structures of the products were confirmed by IR,1H NMR and13 C NMR spectroscopy. This method has advantages of simple work-up procedure,high yield,and eco-friendly solvent-free and catalyst-free conditions.