Abstract
Abstract
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