Hydrochloric Acid → α-(Dimethylamino)-2-pyridineacetonitrile

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Reaction Steps

To cold 2-pyridinecarboxaldehyde (21.4 g., 0.2 mole) is added dimethylamine (22.5 g. of a 40% aqueous solution, 0.2 mole) and the solution is neutralized with concentrated hydrochloric acid. To the stirred neutralized solution is added 14.4 g. (0.22 mole) of potassium cyanide. The mixture is stirred overnight, then diluted with water, transferred to a separatory funnel and repeatedly extracted with chloroform. The combined chloroform extracts are washed 3 times with water, once with brine and dried over magnesium sulfate. The mixture is filtered, the solvent is removed under reduced pressure and methanol is added to the residue. The mixture is allowed to stand at -20°C. for 18 hours, then filtered. The filtrate is concentrated and distilled in vacuo to give 2-dimethylamino-2-(2-pyridyl)acetonitrile.

Provenance & Evidence