An Efficient Transformation from Benzyl or Allyl Halides to Aryl and Alkenyl Nitriles

A novel approach to aryl or alkenyl nitriles from benzyl and allyl halides has been developed. A tandem TBAB-catalyzed substitution and the subsequent novel oxidative rearrangement are involved in this transformation. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first transformation from allyl halides to alkenyl nitriles. The broad reaction scope and the mild conditions may make these methods of use in organic synthesis.