Pd‐Polypyrrole Nanocomposite in Environmentally Friendly Synthesis of Vinylnitriles Using K₄Fe(CN)₆

Abstract

An efficient cyanation of vinyl bromides, activated chlorides and mesylates with K4Fe(CN)6 has been performed using palladium polypyrrole nanocomposite. The reactions are clean and high yielding. They are highly stereoselective furnishing (E)‐nitriles from (E)‐halides and Z‐nitriles from Z‐halides. Chemoselective cyanation of sp2(vinyl)‐Br bond in the presence of sp2(aryl)‐Br is possible. The additional advantages offered by the suggested catalytic system are operational simplicity and the environmentally friendly synthetic methodology (no toxic ligands and the possibility to use environmentally benign aqueous solutions). The catalyst is active under heating and under MW irradiation; it can be reused at least three times.