Direct synthesis of 2,3-diaryloxirane-2,3-dicarbonitriles from aroyl chlorides using potassium hexacyanoferrate(II) as an eco-friendly cyanide source

A direct synthetic method for 2,3-diaryloxirane-2,3-dicarbonitriles from aroyl chlorides using potassium hexacyanoferrate(II) as an eco-friendly cyanide source, triphenylphosphine as a promoter, and triethylamine as a catalyst is described. This protocol has the features of no use of strong toxic cyanating agents, high yield, and simple work-up procedure.