Pyrethroid insecticides. Chapter III: Synthesis of 3-phenoxymandelonitrile

Abstract

Racemic and enantiopure 3-phenoxymandelonitrile are valuable building blocks for the synthesis of pyrethrin insecticides cypermethrin and deltamethrin. Their synthesis involves two crucial steps: the synthesis of 3-phenoxybenzaldehyde which is produced through ether coupling, and its hydrocyanation.