Reaction of 1-halo-1-organothio or 1-halo-1-organoseleno alkenes with CuCN in NMP as solvent provides alpha-phenylthio or alpha-phenylseleno acrylonitriles in good yields. The reaction showed a low stereoselectivity and the products were obtained as E/Z mixtures of isomers.
organoselenoacrylonitriles; organothioacrylonitriles; vinylic substitution; cuprous cyanide; vinylic chalcogenides
