Synthesis of N-Aryl and N-Alkyl Phthalimides via Denitrogenative Cyanation of 1,2,3-Benzotriazin-4(3H)-ones

An efficient metal-free approach for synthesizing N-aryl- and N-alkyl phthalimide derivatives from 1,2,3-benzotriazin-4(3H)-ones is described. The reaction likely proceeds via a denitrogenative cyanation pathway, utilizing TMSCN as the cyanide source. This method is straightforward as well as scalable and supports a wide range of substrates with high functional group tolerance, yielding diverse phthalimide derivatives in good to excellent yields. The utility of this method is further highlighted by the successful synthesis of a tyrosinase inhibitor analogue in good yield.