Pd(OAc)2-Catalyzed Alkoxylation of Arylnitriles via sp2 C–H Bond Activation Using Cyano as the Directing Group

A Pd(OAc)(2)-catalyzed ortho-alkoxylation of arylnitrile was described. Using cyano as a directing group, the aromatic C-H bond can be functionalized efficiently to generate ortho-alkoxylated arylnitrile derivatives with moderate yields. The optimal reaction conditions were identified after examining various factors such as oxidant, solvent, and reaction temperature. The method was compatible to the arylnitriles with either electron-withdrawing or electron-donating groups.