Direct synthesis of 3-halo-3-arylacrylonitriles from the addition of cyanoalkynes with alkaline metal halides

Abstract An efficient synthesis of 3-halo-3-arylacrylonitrile is described from the direct addition between cyanoalkynes and inorganic alkaline metal halides such as LiCl, LiBr and KI in good to satisfactory yields. No transition metal is needed for the synthesis of iodo- and bromo-products, although Pd catalyst is used to accelerate the chloro-product.