Rhodium(III)-Catalyzed Direct Cyanation of Aromatic C–H Bond to Form 2‑(Alkylamino)benzonitriles Using <i>N</i>‑Nitroso As Directing Group

2-(Alkylamino)­benzonitriles were synthesized via a rhodium-catalyzed cyanation on the aryl C–H bond and subsequent denitrosation of <i>N</i>-nitrosoarylamines using a removable nitroso as the directing group, in which <i>N-</i>cyano<i>-N-</i>phenyl-<i>p</i>-methylbenzenesulfonamide (NCTS) was used as the “CN” source. Various substituents on the aryl ring and amino group of <i>N</i>-nitrosoarylamines tolerated the reaction, and the corresponding products were achieved in moderate to good yields