Palladium-Catalyzed Safe Cyanation of Aryl Iodides with Hexamethylenetetramine.

A palladium-catalyzed cyanation of aryl halides with hexamethylenetetramine as a safe cyanide source is achieved, providing aromatic nitriles in moderate to good yields. This approach shows good functional group compatibilities and avoids the use of toxic cyanide source.