Synthesis of Succinonitrile Derivatives by Homocoupling from Cyanohydrin Derivatives with a Low-Valent Titanium Reagent.

A method is described for synthesizing succinonitrile derivatives bearing alkyl or aryl substituents from cyanohydrin derivatives using low-valent titanium. The active species in this reaction is proposed to be a resonance hybrid of the Ti IV nitrile enolate and Ti III alkyl radical.