Catalytic cyanation of aryl iodides using DMF and ammonium bicarbonate as the combined source of cyanide: a dual role of copper catalysts.

Cu(II)-catalyzed cyanation of aryl iodides has been developed using DMF and ammonium bicarbonate as the combined source of cyanide. It is assumed that copper is involved both in the generation of "CN" units from DMF-ammonia and in the cyanation of aryl halides. A range of electron-rich and fused (hetero)aryl iodides underwent cyanation resulting in moderate to good yields.