The reaction of primary nitro compounds with isocyanides and isocyanat
es in the presence da base leads to a new preparation of nitriles. The
reaction probably proceeds through the in situ formation of a nitrile
oxide followed by a fast oxygen transfer with the isocyanide. Combine
d with the Knovenagel addition of nitromethane to cyclic ketone, this
reaction brings a highly effective regioselective formation of cyclic
alpha-beta unsaturated nitriles. (C) 1997 Published by Elsevier Scienc
e Ltd.