Synthesis of 2,3-Bis[amino(benzylsulfanyl)methylidene]butanedinitrile and 2-(Benzylsulfanyl)pyridine-3-carbonitrile derivatives

The alkylation of cyanothioacetamide with benzyl chloride in DMF in the presence of 10% aqueous potassium hydroxide afforded 2,3-bis[amino(benzylsulfanyl)methylidene]butanedinitrile. Analogous reaction with addition of acetylacetone or its 3-methyl derivative led to the formation of 2-benzylsulfanyl-4,6-dimethylor -4,5,6-trimethylpyridine-3-carbonitrile. © 2018, Pleiades Publishing, Ltd.