N-Heterocyclic Carbene Catalyzed 1,6-Conjugate Addition of Me3Si-CN to para-Quinone Methides and Fuchsones: Access to α-Arylated Nitriles

Abstract

An organocatalytic approach toward α-arylated nitriles using N-heterocyclic carbene (NHC) as a catalyst is described. This protocol comprises an NHC catalyzed activation of Me3Si-CN followed by 1,6-conjugate addition of cyanide to para-quinone methides (p-QMs) and fuchsones leading to α-diaryl- and α-triaryl nitriles in good to excellent yields.