N-heterocyclic carbenes mediated cyano-phosphorylation of ketones

Cyanation-O-protection reaction of ketones with different cyanide sources catalyzed by N-heterocyclic carbenes is reported. Under the catalysis of 1,3-bis(2,6-diisopropylphenyl)imidazol-2-ylidene, various ketones coupled with diethyl cyanophosphonate to produce cyanohydrin-O-phosphates with a quaternary carbon center in moderate to excellent yield. Furthermore, the reaction can be scaled-up easily and high yield maintained.