Synthesis of 4-substituted 3,5-dicyano-2,6-piperidinediones using lithium nitride as a convenient source of ammonia
A simple and efficient one-pot synthesis of 4-substituted-3,5-dicyano-2,6-piperidinediones was achieved in good yields via the three-component reaction of aldehyde or ketone, ethyl cyanoacetate, lithium nitride (Li3N) as a convenient source of ammonia in MeOH.