CuO-catalyzed conversion of arylacetic acids into aromatic nitriles with K4Fe(CN)6 as the nitrogen source

Readily available CuO was demonstrated to be effective as the catalyst for the conversion of arylacetic acids to aromatic nitriles with non-toxic and inexpensive K4Fe(CN)6 as the nitrogen source via the complete cleavage of the CN triple bond. The present method allowed a series of arylacetic acids including phenylacetic acids, naphthaleneacetic acids, 2-thiopheneacetic acid and 2-furanacetic acid to be converted into the targeted products in low to high yields. [Display omitted] •Conversion of arylacetic acids to nitriles using K4Fe(CN)6 was firstly realized.•CuO was demonstrated to be an effective catalyst for the present reaction.•A new and effective method for the synthesis of aromatic nitriles was developed.