An efficient method for the direct conversion of cyano-substituted iminoisobenzofurans into their corresponding alkyl 2-cyanobenzoates has been developed. This transformation proceeds via cleavage of C-C, C-O, and C-N bonds in starting iminoisobenzofurans. DFT study revealed that intermediate a-iminonitriles are produced in situ via C-C bond formation between 2-iminium benzoates and a cyanide ion. Generation of isocyanide as the byproduct in a more thermodynamic manner in DFT calculations also supports the experimental results.
GUENZI, A.;JOHNSON, C. A.;COZZI, F.;MISLOW, K., J. AMER. CHEM. SOC., 1983, 105, N 6, 1438-1448