Optimization of the photocatalytic decarboxylative cyanation with isonitriles^a.

Entry	Solvent	2 (equiv.)	Ir-cat (mol%)	Yield 3 (3′) %
1	MeCN	2a (3.0)	2	68 (14)
2	MeCN	2b (3.0)	2	55 (35)
3	MeCN	2c (3.0)	2	30 (5)
4	MeCN	2d (3.0)	2	48 (52)
5	MeCN	2e (3.0)	2	24 (0)
6	MeCN	2f (3.0)	2	4 (12)
7	DMSO	2a (3.0)	2	74 (12)
8	DMF	2a (3.0)	2	60 (14)
9	DCM	2a (3.0)	2	0 (5)
10	PhCH3	2a (3.0)	2	36 (30)
11b,c	DMSO	2a (2.5)	1	82 (8)
12d	DMSO	2a (2.5)	1	0
13e	DMSO	2a (2.5)	1	0

^aThe reactions were performed on a 0.10 mmol scale and the yields were determined by ¹H NMR with CH₂Br₂ as an internal standard.

^bThe reaction was performed on a 0.20 mmol scale.

^cYield determined after isolation by column chromatography purification.

^dThe reaction was performed in the absence of light.

^eThe reaction was performed in the absence of photocatalyst. See ESI for further details.