ABSTRACT
However, efficient generation of-CH2CN takes place at the second reduction potential of azobenzene using MeCN as solvent, which has been used in preparative-scale reactions initiated by cyanomethylation of benzamide [19] carbonyl compounds and a, f3-unsatured nitriles either present in situ [18,20] or added subsequently [21-23]. However, product mixtures are often complex, and although the products indicate the range of acid-base reactions possible, and the reacivity of the species generated, the electrochemical method offers little preparative advantage for these conversions.
