Phase transfer alkylation of arylacetonitriles revisited

Phase transfer alkylations of phenylacetonitrile derivatives carried out in the presence of 60–75% aqueous KOH, instead of the typical 50% NaOH, provide substantial improvements in the overall yields and purity of products. Reactions with simple secondary alkyl halides, as well as cycloalkylations with 1,2- and 1,3-dihaloalkanes proceed with good yields. Increasing the concentration of base diminishes the formation of by-products from competitive β-elimination processes.