The reaction of a-bromo-a-cyano esters, a-bromo-a-cyano nitriles, and a-bromo-a-cyano imides with tri- phenylphosphine- or trialkyl phosphite-silver nitrate complexes leads to replacement of the positive bromine atom by a nitro group under mild conditions. In the case of the a-bromo-a-cyano esters, a-keto esters are also formed. The thermolysis of a-nitro nitriles gives keto compounds or coupled products via a radical pair. ... The nitration of compounds ...
