Phase transfer alkylation of arylacetonitriles revisited

Phase transfer alkylations of phenylacetonitrile and its derivatives with the secondary bromides, 1,2-dibromoethane and 1,3-dibromopropane carried out in the presence of 60-75% aqueous KOH, instead of the typical 50% NaOH, provide substantial improvements to the overall yield and purity of products.