Synthetic Reactions by Complex Catalysts. XVI. The Dimerization of Acrylonitrile and Acrylate by Means of the Metal-Isocyanide Complex

Abstract

Abstract Acrylonitrile and acrylate were dimerized to 2-methyleneglutaronitrile and 2-methyleneglutarate respectively by the binary catalyst system of a copper compound and an isocyanide in the presence of a protic solvent such as t-butanol. Transition metal acetylacetonates, such as Fe(II and III), Co(II and III), and Ni(II), in combination with isocyanide were also effective for this dimerization. A mechanistic discussion has been presented.