For the first time, a novel copper-catalyzed direct C(sp3)–H/C(sp3)–H cross-coupling of arylacetonitriles with unactivated benzylic compounds was described, allowing various a-benzylated arylacetonitriles to be readily accessible under base-free conditions. Mechanistic investigations suggested that the reaction proceeds through radical process and the C(sp3)–H cleavage of arylacetonitriles probably