Eco-friendly conjugate hydrocyanation of 2-aroyl α,β-unsaturated ketones with potassium hexacyanoferrate(II)

Abstract

Conjugate hydrocyanation of 2-aroyl α,β-unsaturated ketones employing potassium hexacyanoferrate(II) as an eco-friendly cyanide source, benzoyl chloride as a promoter and potassium hydroxide as a catalyst by a one-pot two-step procedure is described. The advantages of this protocol are no use of strong toxic cyanating agents, the high yield of the products and a simple work-up procedure.

Keywords

• 2-aroyl α,β-unsaturated ketone
• conjugate hydrocyanation
• green chemistry
• potassium hexacyanoferrate(ii)