Cu-catalyzed aerobic oxidative C–CN bond cleavage of benzyl cyanide for the synthesis of primary amides

Abstract

An efficient method via copper-catalyzed aerobic oxidative amidation of benzyl cyanide for primary amides is successfully developed. Using readily available NH₄Cl as a nitrogen source and Cu/O₂ as a catalytic oxidation system offers new opportunities for C–CN bond cleavage and primary amide bond formation.