Dinitriles Ritter reaction

Whereas the value of this reaction lies in the forging of the N—A bond, the importance of the C—X bond formation cannot be overlooked since it is often intrinsically necessary in heterocycle formation. It is with reactions of type (2) that this chapter deals. The only previous review article pertaining to this subject is that of E. N. Zil berman4 which does not deal with heterocyclic syntheses specifically. Recent advances justify a new review of the latter area. Principally, the use of three types of reactions are discussed (a) the Ritter reaction (b) reactions involving nitrilium salts and (c) a, j-dinitrile cyclizations. All appear to be variations of the above theme. 

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