Cobalt-Catalyzed C–H Cyanation of (Hetero)arenes and 6‑Arylpurines with <i>N</i>‑Cyanosuccinimide as a New Cyanating Agent

A cobalt-catalyzed C–H cyanation reaction of arenes has been developed using <i>N</i>-cyanosuccinimide as a new electrophilic cyanating agent. The reaction proceeds with high selectivity to afford monocyanated products with excellent functional group tolerance. Substrate scope was found to be broad enough to include a wide range of heterocycles including 6-arylpurines