Synthesis of Benzonitrile 4

A variety of functional groups (e.g., alkoxy, phenyl, methylthio, benzyloxy, trifluoromethyl, or chloro) were compatible with the conditions used. Arylsilanes bearing substituents at the para-, meta-, and ortho-positions were all converted to the corresponding benzonitriles (2b, 2h, and 2i, respectively) in good yields.