Stereoselective synthesis of sulfur-containing β-enaminonitrile derivatives through electrochemical Csp3–H bond oxidative functionalization of acetonitrile

Abstract

Direct α-functionalization of acetonitrile, a bulk chemical, is usually limited to its enolate chemistry. Here, the authors show an electro-oxidative C(sp3)–H bond functionalization of acetonitrile with thiols to afford tetrasubstituted olefins with high stereoselectivity.