SYNTHESIS WITH α-CYANOENAMINES. 2-DIETHYLAMINO-4-LITHIO-4-PHENYLTHIO-2-BUTENONITRILE AS A β-CARBOXYL VINYL ANION EQUIVALENT.

Article abstract of DOI:10.1016/S0040-4039(00)88717-1

The lithio derivative of 2-diethylamino-4-phenylthio-2-butenonitrile is a practical equivalent of the unknown β-carboxyl-vinyl anion, as shown by its facile alkylation with alkyl halides, aldehydes and α-enones, followed by hydrolysis, oxidation and elimination.