New synthetic 'tricks'. Direct conversion of nitro compounds to nitriles

Article abstract of DOI:10.1016/S0040-4039(00)88527-5

Treatment of primary nitro groups, in CH₂Cl₂ at 0°C, with Sn(SPh)₄, R₃P, and DEAD affords quickly and almost quantitatively the corresponding nitriles, in a combined process of deoxygenation and dehydration. The same results can be obtained, although not so rapidly, using only R₃P (2 equiv.) and DEAD (1 equiv.).