Regiospecific 1,4-Michael Addition of Phenylacetonitrile to 1,5-Diarylpenta-2,4-Dien-1-Ones

Abstract

The regiospecific 1,4-Michael addition of phenylacetonitrile to (2E,4E)-1,5-diarylpenta-2,4-dien-1-ones produced 12 novel (E)-3-(2-oxo-2-arylethyl)-2,5-diarylpent-4-enenitriles in 77-88% yield. The advantages of the method are broad substrate scope, mild conditions, good to high yields and high selectivity. The method can also be extended to a gram scale.