Chemoselective Synthesis of Cyanoformamides from Isocyanates and a Highly Reactive Nitrile Anion Reservoir

The direct addition of a nitrile anion to isocyanates is reported for a straightforward preparation of valuable cyanoformamides. Through the proper activation of an adequate silicon-ate complex precursor (PhMe2SiCN) with a Lewis base (potassium tert-amylate) under Barbier-type conditions, the cyanide was instantaneously released, thus yielding the desired motif with full chemocontrol. No particular structural restriction was noticed for engaging in the transformation a wide series of commercially available isocyanates.