α-Olefination of Nitriles: Base-Promoted Ring-Opening Coupling of Nitriles and Chromone.

A new strategy for base-promoted ring-opening coupling reaction between nitriles and chromones for the synthesis of α-olefins was developed. This method demonstrates significant advantages, including high atomic economy, metal-free, air atmosphere, solvent-free, and room-temperature conditions. In this transformation process, the base promotes the progress of the Michael-type addition reaction, thereby initiating a ring-opening reaction between chromone and nitrile molecules. Two distinct types of α-olefination pathways for nitriles have been successfully established using a wide range of nitrile substrates. Most α-alkenylated products demonstrate notable antioxidant activity, revealing their potential applications in antioxidant development and promising prospects for pharmaceutical research.