Palladium catalyzed intramolecular acylcyanation of alkenes using α-iminonitriles

Abstract

Reported here is a palladium catalyzed intramolecular acylcyanation of alkenes using α-iminonitriles. Through this method, highly functionalized indanones are synthesized in moderate to high yields using Pd(PPh₃)₄, without need for any additional ligands, and a common Lewis acid (ZnCl₂). Additionally, the reaction tolerates substitution at various positions on the aromatic ring including electron donating and electron withdrawing groups.