Novel trans-spanned palladium complexes as efficient catalysts in mild and amine-free cyanation of aryl bromides under air.

[reaction: see text] The use of a novel trans-spanned palladium complex as an efficient and selective catalyst in the cyanation of aryl halides is described. The suggested reaction conditions are mild, exhibit good scope of substrates, and circumvent the need for an inert atmosphere and amine co-ligands.