Ethyl 3-cyano-3-phenylpyruvate → 2-(p-Methylthiophenyl)-5-phenyl-3,4-dioxoadiponitrile

Participants

Reaction Steps

As described in Example 1, ethyl 3-cyano-3-phenylpyruvate is reacted with p-methylthiophenylacetonitrile in an alcoholic solution of sodium ethoxide to give 2-(p-methylthiophenyl)-5-phenyl-3,4-dioxoadiponitrile. The latter is refluxed in a mixture of water, glacial acetic acid and concentrated sulfuric acid to give a mixture of 4- and 4'-methylthiopulvinic acid which is then refluxed in acetic anhydride to result in the formation of 4-methylthiopulvinic acid lactone.

Provenance & Evidence