Controlled conversion of phenylacetic acids to phenylacetonitriles or benzonitriles using bis(2-methoxyethyl)aminosulfur trifluoride

A mild, efficient, and practical method for the one-step synthesis of benzonitriles from phenylacetic acids using bis(2-methoxyethyl)aminosulfur trifluoride is described. The reaction was easily extended to the synthesis of the corresponding phenylacetonitriles by inclusion of triethylphosphine.