Cu-Catalyzed alkylation–cyanation type difunctionalization of styrenes with aliphatic aldehydes and TMSCN via decarbonylation

A copper-catalyzed decarbonylative alkylation-cyanation of styrene derivatives with aliphatic aldehydes and trimethylsilyl cyanide to provide chain elongated nitriles is reported. Using TBHP as an oxidant and free radical initiator, the reaction can smoothly convert abundant alpha-di-substituted, alpha-mono-substituted and linear aliphatic aldehydes into the corresponding 3 degrees, 2 degrees and 1 degrees alkyl radicals to initiate the subsequent radical-type difunctionalization of various styrenes.