Palladium-Catalyzed Cyanation of Aryl Bromides Promoted by Low-Level Organotin Compounds

A novel method for palladium-catalyzed cyanation of aryl bromides promoted by low-level tri-n-butyltin chloride or cyanide is described. The method features low catalyst loading and mild reaction conditions. KCN is used as the cyanide source. Only trace levels of the tri-n-butyltin compound are required to achieve high conversion and yield in the cyanation of aryl bromides, iodides, and triflates.