Metal-Free Decarboxylative Cyanomethylation of β‑Aryl/Heteroaryl Substituted α,β-Unsaturated Carboxylic Acids to γ‑Ketonitriles

A decarboxylative cyanomethylation of β-aryl/heteroaryl substituted α,β-unsaturated carboxylic acids has been accomplished via C(sp3)-H activation of alkyl nitriles to afford diverse γ-ketonitriles by making use of 1,8-diazabicyclo[5.4.0]undec-7-ene (DBU) and tert-butyl hydroperoxide (TBHP). The present report offers a metal-free approach and is featured with a broad substitution pattern and functional group compatibility.