Cu-Catalyzed Cross-Coupling of Cyclopropanol with Cyclobutanone Oximes To Access Distal Cyano Ketone.

We developed a mild, copper-catalyzed ring-opening cross-coupling that converts readily available cyclopropanols and cyclobutanone oximes into ε-cyano ketones in moderate to excellent yield. The reaction features broad functional-group compatibility and produces acetic acid as the sole byproduct in acetonitrile. This method enables efficient access to otherwise difficult-to-synthesize ε-cyano ketones and is demonstrated in the late-stage modification of bioactive molecules.