Cucn-mediated one pot production of cinnamonitrile derivatives

A one pot, single step process for the preparation of compound of general formula A and its isomers,

• starting from compounds of formula I,
• wherein,
• R1 is hydrogen;
• R2 is selected from H, OMe, OTs, OBn;
• R3 is selected from H, OMe, OTs, OBn, NO2;
• R4 is selected from H, OMe, F;
• R5 is selected from H, NO2, BR;
• R5′ is selected from H, NO2, CN;
• R2 and R3 can together be selected as —O—CH2-O—;
• comprising the steps of reacting compound of formula I with CuCN in DMF, under reflux in presence of N2 atmosphere to obtain the desired compound of formula A in the range of 50-90% yield.