Copper(I)-Catalyzed Intermolecular Cyanoarylation of Alkenes: Convenient Access to α-Alkylated Arylacetonitriles

A novel Cu(I)-catalyzed intermolecular cyanoarylation of alkenes with diaryliodonium salts as radical arylating reagent and tetra-butylammonium cyanide as electrophilic cyanating reagent was established. A broad range of α-alkylated arylacetonitriles were efficiently constructed in good to excellent yields under base-, oxidant-free and mild conditions.