Direct C-H Cyanoalkylation of Heteroaromatic N-Oxides and Quinones via C-C Bond Cleavage of Cyclobutanone Oximes

A direct C-H cyanoalkylation of heteroaromatic N-oxides and quinones with cyclobutanone oximes is reported. This redox-neutral, operationally simple cyanoalkylation reaction is successfully amenable to a wide range of heteroaromatic N-oxides, quinones, and cyclobutanone oximes. A novel catalytic system consisting of a nickel source proved crucial for cleavage of the C-C bond of cyclobutanone oximes and for selective C-C bond formation over β-hydride elimination. Mechanistic studies suggest that a radical intermediate might be involved in this transformation.