Conversion of Formyl into Cyano groups in kojic acid derivatives and analogues

It has been revealed that N,N-dimethylhydrazones ( 1a - c , 3a , b ) derived from kojic acid analogs, such as substituted furans ( 3a , b ), 4-pyrones ( 1a , b ) and 4-pyridine ( 1c ), on oxididation with 3-chloroperoxybenzoic acid afford the corresponding nitriles ( 2a-c , 4a , b ). The method has preparative value. The mechanism of the reaction is presented.