Significant yield improvement in the stereoselective synthesis of allyl cyanides from Baylis–Hillman derivatives in aqueous medium under the influence of the phase-transfer catalyst

The nucleophilic reaction of NaCN with the acetyl derivative of Baylis–Hillman adducts in the presence of a phase-transfer catalyst in aqueous medium stereoselectively affords the corresponding allyl cyanides in a short period and excellent yields.