Conversion of alcohols, thiols, and trimethysilyl ethers to alkyl cyanides using triphenylphosphine/2,3-dichloro-5,6-dicyanobenzoquinone/n-Bu(4)NCN.

Triphenylphosphine and 2,3-dichloro-5,6-dicyanobenzoquinone afford an adduct, which in the presence of n-Bu(4)NCN converts alcohols, thiols, and trimethylsilyl ethers into their corresponding alkyl cyanides in good to excellent yields at room temperature. This method is highly selective for the conversion of 1 degrees alcohols in the presence of 2 degrees and 3 degrees ones, thiols and silyl ethers.