RECENT ADVANCES IN CYANATION REACTIONS†

Transformations involving structurally complex molecules, natural products and representative molecules are extremely important to obtain key reaction intermediates, in addition to accessing molecules with bioactive properties. The development of cyanation methodologies in those molecules becomes important, because nitriles are versatile and important building blocks in organic synthesis. They can be converted into other organic functions, including amines, alcohols, α-amino acids and various carbonyl compounds and can therefore become relevant synthetic intermediates. Recent studies show new and intriguing asymmetric cyanation protocols or reagents as those that use electrophilic cyanide source, metal- and oxidant-free or avoid the use of toxic cyanide reagents. Photoredox catalysis emerges as a relevant approach from the point of view of green and sustainable chemistry; usually provides access to the versatile skeleton of α-aminonitriles that among their various modes of reactivity and provide access to reactive iminium ion. Thus, this perspective aims to highlight these impressive advances as well as to show their main advantages and applications