About the reaction of β‐dimethylamino‐α,β‐enones with active methylene nitriles

Abstract magnified image The reaction of 3‐dimethylamino‐1‐arylpropenone derivatives with active methylene nitriles was reinvestigated and a plausible mechanism to account for the results is suggested. X‐ray crystallographic study supported the suggested mechanism. Based on these findings, the reaction of 3‐acetylamino‐4‐dimethylaminobut‐3‐en‐2‐one with malononitrile was also reinvestigated and the correct structures verified. J. Heterocyclic Chem., (2009).