One-pot synthesis of 2-amino-3,4-dicyanopyridines from ketoximes and tetracyanoethylene via Cu(I)-catalyzed cyclization

Abstract A novel approach to 2-amino-3,4-dicyanopyridines has been discovered from Cu(I)-catalyzed cyclizations of simple and easily available ketoximes and tetracyanoethylene (TCNE). The complexed radical mechanism involves cleavage of several O H/N O/C H bonds, and new C C/C N bonds formation. A wide variety of substrates with different functional groups could be smoothly converted into the corresponding products in moderate yields.