Eco-friendly conjugate hydrocyanation of α-cyanoacrylates using potassium hexacyanoferrate(II) as cyanating reagent

The conjugate hydrocyanation of α -cyanoacrylates through chemoselective 1,4-addition to synthesise α,β -dicyanopropanoates by one-pot two-step procedure using potassium hexacyanoferrate(II) as an eco-friendly cyanide source, benzoyl chloride as a promoter and potassium carbonate as a catalyst is described. The advantages of this protocol are use of a non-toxic, non-volatile and inexpensive cyanating reagent, high product yields and simple working procedure.