Synthesis and selected reactions of cycloalkylidene malononitriles

A new method for running the Knoevenagel condensation in high yields has been developed and tested in eleven reactions with malononitrile. The dimer from cyclopentylidenemalononitrile was characterized and its structure was deduced from spectroscopy data. Reactions of the monomers with isoprene were carried out in sealed tubes and the ratio and yields of the isomeric products were determined by gas liquid partition chromatography. A para relationship of the cyano and methyl groups is favored in the products.Ball State UniversityMuncie, IN 47306Thesis (M.S.)--Ball State University, 1976