A Novel Heterogeneous Synthesis of Acyl Cyanides Catalyzed by PEG400 and Zinc Iodide

Abstract

Aroyl cyanides were readily synthesized in moderate yields by the cyanation of aroyl chlorides with dry powdered potassium cyanide under the catalysis of PEG400 and zinc iodide in dichloromethane at room temperature. A preliminary study on the one‐pot preparation of acetyl cyanide was also reported.

Keywords:

• Aroyl cyanides
• Aroyl chlorides
• KCN
• PEG400