A Novel Isocyanide-Based Three-Component Reaction: Synthesis of Highly Substituted 1,6-Dihydropyrazine-2,3-dicarbonitrile Derivatives

A novel multi-component synthesis of highly substituted 1,6-dihydropyrazine-2,3-dicarbonitrile derivatives starting from simple and readily available inputs is described. Thus, simply stirring an ethanol solution of 2,3-diaminomaleonitrile, a ketone, and an isocyanide in the presence of a catalytic amount of p-toluenesulfonic acid provided highly substituted 1,6-dihydropyrazine-2,3-dicarbonitrile derivatives in good to excellent yields at ambient temperature.