2,4-Disubstituted 4-Oxoalkanenitriles and 3-Cyanoalkane-1,5-diones via Michael-Addition of Lithioacetonitrile to 2-(N-Methylanilino)acrylonitrile. A Regioselective Four Component Coupling Reaction

Article abstract of DOI:10.1055/s-1987-28127

A new method for the synthesis of the title compounds by a one-pot reaction is described.It consists of the regioselective alkylation of a 1,3-dithio derivative of 3-cyanopropionaldehyde.The key intermediate is prepared by addition of lithioacetonitrile to 2-(N-methylanilino)acrylonitrile and subsequent lithiation.In a similar way, synthesis of symmetrical 3-cyanoalkane-1,5-diones is possible.