Simple and Efficient One-Step Conversion of Benzonitrile into Methylarene under Mild Conditions

Abstract

A very simple and efficient method has been developed for the synthesis of various methylarenes from the corresponding benzonitriles under mild conditions. The protocol uses Pearlman’s catalyst to achieve the transformation under an atmosphere of gaseous hydrogen and proceeds smoothly in many common solvents. A series of methylarenes were thus obtained in high yields and purities.