title: A high-yielding preparation of beta-ketonitriles.
abstract: [reaction: see text] beta-Ketonitriles are important precursors for a wide variety of biologically active heterocycles. A facile procedure for the high-yielding acylation of nitrile anions with unactivated esters to provide beta-ketonitriles is reported. The procedure is successful with enolizable and nonenolizable esters as well as hindered nitrile anions.
authors.affiliation: Department of Chemistry, Box H, Brown University, Providence, Rhode Island 02912, USA.
authors.forename: Yaohui
authors.initials: Y
authors.lastname: Ji
authors.forename: William C
authors.initials: WC
authors.lastname: Trenkle
authors.forename: James V
authors.initials: JV
authors.lastname: Vowles