3.83 g (20 mmols) of 4-chloroformylcinnamonitrile, 2.70 g (20 mmols) of N-benzyldimethylamine and 0.0448 g (0.2 mmol) of palladium acetate are added under argon to 40 ml of p-xylene. Ethylene is passed through the mixture, which is stirred for 23 hours at 130° C. The reaction mixture is then diluted at 130° C. with 40 ml of p-xylene and is filtered. 10 ml of n-hexane are added to the filtrate. Cooling to room temperature gives 0.39 g (15% of theory) of 4,4'-bis-(2-cyanovinyl)-stilbene, melting point 220° C.
