Direct isocyanomethylation of nitroarenes via the vicarious nucleophilic substitution of hydrogen with phenylthiomethyl isocyanide carbanion

Article abstract of DOI:10.1055/s-1993-35863

Reaction of nitroarenes with phenylthiomethyl isocyanide in the presence of potassium tert-butoxide results in the introduction of the isocyanomethyl substituent into positions ortho or para to the nitro group. The products of the reaction when subjected to mild hydrolysis can be converted into nitrobenzylic amines or their formyl derivatives.