A new ring-forming methodology for the synthesis of conformationally constrained bioactive molecules

A new, general, one pot method for introducing carbocyclic rings alpha to a nitrile moiety is described. Treatment of readily available arylacetonitri les with potassium bis(trimethylsilyl)amide and subsequent alkylation with alpha,omega -dibromo or dichloroalkanes in tetrahydrofuran under anhydrous conditions at 0 degreesC produces cycloalkyl adducts in good yields and sho rt reaction times.