Synthesis of (E)-vinyl isobutyronitriles via Fe(III)-catalyzed decarboxylative cross-coupling of cinnamic acids and AIBN under additive-free conditions

A facile, efficient, additive-free and eco-friendly protocol for the synthesis of (E)-vinyl isobutyronitriles via Fe(III)-catalyzed decarboxylative cross-coupling of cinnamic acids and AIBN (azodiisobutyronitrile) has been developed. The presented methodology offers several advantages such as easy accessibility and stability of substrates, inexpensive catalyst and simple post-treatment procedure.