A facile transition metal-free ionic liquid [BMIM]OH mediated regio- and stereoselective hydrocarboxylation of alkynylnitriles

Abstract

We report an efficient and straight forward access to nitrile substituted enol esters via ionic liquid [BMIM]OH mediated hydrocarboxylation of alkynylnitriles under mild conditions. This atom economical transition metal-free protocol gives an easy access to a variety of such enol esters with excellent regio and Z-stereoselectivity. Reusability of [BMIM]OH without losing of significant amount of yield is another noticeable feature of this article.