Sodium Cyanide → 3,5-Dimethylpyridine-2-carbonitrile

Participants

Reaction Steps

Cool a solution of sodium cyanide (49.0 g, 0.999 mol, 3.0 eq.) in 135 mL of water to 0° C., (air free) and drip 1-methoxy-3,5-dimethyl pyridinium methyl sulfate (83.0 g, 0.33 mol) in 100 mL water (air free) over 11/4 hr., keeping the temperature below 3° C. Filter the mixture and wash with water to give 40 g of the title compound which may be recrystallized from isopropyl ether and pentane (4:1) (m.p. 61°-62° C.).

Provenance & Evidence