Metal-catalysed addition of β-dicarbony compounds to the nitrile carbon of benzoyl cyanide. Synthesis of 1-amino-1-benzoyl-2,2-diacylethenes

Abstract

The complex [Ni(acac)2](Hacac pentane-2,4-dione) selectively catalyses addition of the intercarbonylic carbon atom of β-diketones to the cyano group of benzoyl cyanide, whereas usual basic organic catalysts lead to attack on the carbonyl carbon atom with displacement of the CN group.