KSeCN as an Efficient Cyanide Source for the One-Step Synthesis of Imino-1-oxoisoindolines via Copper-Promoted C−H Activation

Abstract An efficient copper-promoted selective monocyanation of benzamides with KSeCN via 8-aminoquinoline directed ortho C–H activation has been developed. Varieties of functionalized ortho-cyanated aryl nitriles can be selectively synthesized in moderate to good yields. These cyanide products can be quickly transformed into various 3-imino-1-oxoisoindolines in one pot. This is the first time that KSeCN was reported as a cyanide source and thus extends the application of KSeCN in the synthesis of cyanides.