Arylthio-metal exchange of α-arylthioalkanenitriles.

The addition of BuLi, Bu3MgLi, Et2ZnBuLi, or Me2CuLi to α-arylthioalkanenitriles triggers an arylthio-metal exchange. NMR spectroscopic analyses implicate organometallic attack on sulfur forming a three-coordinate sulfidate as the key intermediate. Electrophilic trapping affords tertiary and quaternary nitriles in high yield. The method addresses the challenge of improving the functional group tolerance and preventing polyalkylations.