Diisopropylamine → 3-(1-Methylcyclopropyl)-3-oxopropanenitrile

To a solution of diisopropylamine (7.43 mL, 52.6 mmol) in 60 mL of THF was added n-BuLi (2.5M) (21.03 mL, 52.6 mmol) at −78° C. The reaction was stirred at −78° C. for 30 min, then acetononitrile (2.76 mL, 52.6 mmol) was added at −78° C. and the reaction was stirred for 30 min, then methyl 1-methylcyclopropanecarboxylate (3 g, 52.6 mmol) was added at −78° C. The reaction was stirred at −78° C. for 1 hour and then allowed to warm up at room temperature overnight. The solvent was evaporated and the solid dissolved in water. The aqueous layer was washed with ether and then acidified with 6N HCl to pH 2-3. The aqueous layer was extracted with ether. The organic layer was dried with MgSO4 and concentrated to afford the title compound (2.89 g, 89%). MS (DCI/NH3) m/z 124 (M+H)+.