A facile one-pot synthesis of 4-alkoxy-1,3-benzenedicarbonitrile

Article abstract of DOI:10.3987/COM-97-S(N)89

2-(3-Cyano-4-isobutoxyphenyl)-4-methylthiazole-5-carboxlic acid (TEI-6720) was prepared. The introduction of cyano group to 4-nitrobenzonitrile with KCN in dry DMSO followed by quenching with alkyl halide afforded the key intermediates, 4-alkoky-1,3-benzenedicarbonitriles, in good yield. The reaction was completed in dry DMSO, while no reaction occurred in dry DMF. This observation can be suggested by the participation of DMSO in the reaction.