Photosubstitution of Dicyanobenzenes by Group 14 Organometallic Compounds via Photoinduced Electron-Transfer. Additive and Medium Effects on Photoinduced Electron Transfer Reaction

The phenanthrene-sensitized photoreaction of 1,2- and 1,4-dicyanobenzenes with group 14 organometallic compounds containing allylic and benzylic groups in CH3CN afforded the corresponding 2- and 4-allylated and -benzylated benzonitriles in high yields. These photoreactions were accelerated by the addition of Mg(CLO4)2 and benzene derivatives.