DABCO-mediated substitution of vinylic iodides: synthesis of β-cyano Baylis–Hillman acetates

Nucleophilic substitution of vinyl β-iodo Baylis–Hillman acetates using 1,4-diazabicyclo[2.2.2] octane (DABCO) and then KCN, provides a stereoselective method for the synthesis of the corresponding β-cyano Baylis–Hillman acetates in high yields.