Electrocatalytic Hydrogen Evolution Reaction Enabling Cyanation of Electron-poor Carbons with Acetone Cyanohydrin

The Pt-cathode hydrogen evolution reaction (Pt-HER) of acetone cyanohydrin provides an alternative method for introducing the cyano group onto electrophilic carbons of imines and chalcones. The synthesis of α-aminonitriles and β-cyano ketones has been achieved smoothly with a small excess of cyanating agent (2 equivalent), catalytic amount of supporting electrolyte and low electricity consumption (0.02 F/mol). Besides demonstrating a general atom economy, the high Faradaic efficiency, allows for a scale-up with low-demanding electrochemical design and short electrolysis times.