Formal Synthesis of Ortho-Cyanated N-Heterocycles via Direct, Metal-Free Cyanation of N-Oxides Under Benign Conditions
Year: 2026
Type: article
Abstract: The introduction of cyano groups into aza-heterocyclic compounds plays a pivotal role in accessing diverse derivatives that are essential for the development of natural products, pharmaceuticals, and agrochemicals. Herein, we report a unified strategy for the direct ortho-C-H cyanation of a broad range of heterocyclic N-oxides, including pyridine, quinoline, isoquinoline, and pyrimidine derivatives. This transformation proceeds under mild conditions without the need for external activating agents or catalysts, and has been successfully applied to structurally complex, biologically relevant molecules. Compared to existing methodologies, our approach offers several distinct advantages: the use of non-prefunctionalized heteroarene substrates, environmentally benign reaction solvents, operational simplicity, broad substrate scope, and high efficiency in generating diverse ortho-cyanated heterocyclic compounds. Moreover, the method demonstrates considerable potential for scalable synthesis.
Source: Molecules
Authors: Hua Xiao, Reziyamu Wufuer, Dong Wang
Institutions: Xinjiang University, Xinjiang Institute of Materia Medica
Language: English
Subfield: Organic Chemistry
Field: Chemistry
Domain: Physical Sciences
Open Access status: gold
Estimated APC paid: $3,258
OpenAlex ID: W7123562661