A new conversion of primary nitro compounds into nitriles

The reaction of primary nitro compounds with isocyanides and isocyanates in the presence of a base leads to a new preparation of nitriles. The reaction probably proceeds through the in situ formation of a nitrile oxide followed by a fast oxygen transfer with the isocyanide. Combined with the Knovenagel addition of nitromethane to cyclic ketone, this reaction brings a highly effective regioselective formation of cyclic α-β unsaturated nitriles.