A Simple and Versatile Route to Novel Conjugated β-Enaminonitriles and Their Application for the Highly Regioselective Synthesis of Nicotinonitriles Using a Vilsmeier-Type Reagent

A straightforward synthesis of conjugated β-enaminonitriles from ketones and β-aminocrotononitrile mediated by TiCl4 is described. The reaction of these novel dienamines with a Vilsmeier-type reagent provides a mild and highly regioselective route for the preparation of nicotinonitriles.