Oxidative cyanation of -aryltetrahydroisoquinoline induced by visible light for the synthesis of α-aminonitrile using potassium thiocyanate as a "CN" agent.

A novel method for the synthesis of α-aminonitrile through visible-light-induced oxidative cyanation of -aryltetrahydroisoquinoline with potassium thiocyanate has been developed. The process does not require the use of a photocatalyst, transition metal reagent, strong oxidizing agent, or toxic cyano-containing compound, which makes the reaction simple and green.