Synthesis of α-aryl nitriles through B(C6F5)3-catalyzed direct cyanation of α-aryl alcohols and thiols

Various α-aryl nitriles have been prepared in excellent yield from the corresponding α-aryl alcohols employing 3 mol % of B(C6F5)3 (1) as Lewis acid catalyst and (CH3)3SiCN (TMSCN) as cyanide source. Cyano transfer from TMSCN to alcohol proceeds within short reaction time at rt. α-Aryl thiols also produce corresponding nitriles in good to excellent yield at reflux condition.