Zn(OTf)2—catalyzed direct cyanation of benzylic alcohols—a novel synthesis of α-aryl nitriles

This work demonstrates an efficient method to prepare α-aryl nitriles by direct cyanation of benzylic alcohol with TMSCN in the presence of a catalytic amount of Zn(OTf)2 under heating condition. A variety of benzylic alcohols can be converted into the corresponding α-aryl nitriles in good to excellent yields.