Carbon–Carbon Bond Cleavage and Esterification of Phenylacetonitrile and its Derivatives Affording the Corresponding Benzoic Esters

Abstract

Phenylacetonitrile and its derivatives were treated with alcohols in the presence of potassium iodide and iodine affording the corresponding benzoate esters via degradation, oxidation and esterification under mild conditions. The products were characterised by IR, 1H NMR, MS and elemental analysis.