An efficient hydrocyanation of α, β-unsaturated diesters with TMSCN catalyzed by MgI2 etherate.

A mild, efficient and highly regioselective addition of trimethylsilyl cyanide (TMSCN) to α,β-unsaturated diesters has been achieved by using MgI2 etherate as catalyst under solvent-free conditions. This protocol provides the corresponding β-cyano esters in high yields. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]